Circo Romano

Mérida


The 1st-century Circo Romano could accommodate 30,000 spectators. Discovered in the 16th century, its remains represent the only surviving hippodrome of its kind in Spain. In the attached interpretive centre you can read all about Diocles, a champion auriga (horse and chariot racer) who served his apprenticeship in Mérida before going on to the big league in Rome.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mérida attractions

2. Casa del Anfiteatro

0.28 MILES

Outside the main gate to the Roman theatre, the Casa del Anfiteatro, a 3rd-century mansion, has some reasonable floor mosaics but was closed for…

3. Anfiteatro

0.37 MILES

Attached to the grand Teatro Romano, the (slightly less dazzling) Anfiteatro opened in 8 BCE for gladiatorial contests and held 14,000; the gladiator…

4. Museo Nacional de Arte Romano

0.38 MILES

Even if you visit only a handful of Mérida's sights, make sure one of them is this fabulous museum, which has a superb three-floor collection of statues,…

5. Teatro Romano

0.43 MILES

Mérida's most spectacular Roman monument, and the only one to once again fulfil its original function – by hosting performances during the Festival…

6. Cripta de Santa Eulalia

0.43 MILES

This basilica was built in the 5th century in honour of Mérida's pat­ron saint, who is said to have been martyred in the 4th century. It was then…

7. Pórtico del Foro

0.55 MILES

The restored 1st-century Pórtico del Foro, the municipal forum's portico, is 100m northeast up Calle de Sagasta from the Templo de Diana.

8. Los Columbarios

0.58 MILES

This garden-fringed Roman funeral site contains two well-preserved 4th-century crypts and is decently documented (in Spanish) and illustrated. A footpath…

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