Roman Forum, Mérida, Spain

The Roman Forum is an archaeological area in Mérida, Spain. It was the main public area of the Roman city of Emerita Augusta, founded in 25 BC by Emperor Augustus. The city had another forum, the Provincial Forum, built in 50 AD. Together with the other archaeological sites of the city, it was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.

The most impressive sight in forum is Temple of Diana: Despite its name, wrongly assigned in its discovery, the building was dedicated to the imperial cult. Erected during Augustus' reign with local granite, later it was partly re-used for the palace of the Count of Corbos.

There is also a Temple of Mars, dedicated to the imperial cult, and portico which was built in the 1st century. It consists of a porticoed building with a wall housing several niches intended for statues found at this site. The portico was restored in the 20th century, and the discovered remains are on display at the National Museum of Roman Art.

References:

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User Reviews

Teresa Weston (4 months ago)
Don't arrive late or you will be treated very rudely. I don't know if it's a nice place to stay since I had to cancel because our transportation to Mérida would not arrive in time for check in. This was our fault for not seeing check in time, but rudeness from property is a poor reflection on management

Gerry Kerkhof (10 months ago)
Cyclists should be aware that there's a €6 fee per bike for storage. This is a nice enough hostal in an excellent location. Pity about the very unpleasant and confrontational owner. He didn't like our opinion of his bike tax.

Mark Auchincloss (13 months ago)
Excellent value for money hotel but the best is the host Fernando. His dedication, professionalism and helpfulness were appreciated. We were made to feel welcome and he helped organise a massage and early Breakfast. He also took me to park my car at Cervantes and to pick it up too. The room was clean and tidy,spacious and new in appearance. Shower was great. I was able to enjoy a peaceful nights sleep. The hotel is superbly located close to all the sights including Roman Theatre,Plaza Mayor & Roman Bridge. Good choice including for pilgrims on the Ruta de la Plata.

colin Tarleton (3 years ago)
Beautiful clean place,the owner was absolutely great with us and very accommodating.

Ve Rena (5 years ago)
Wonderful place to stay in Mérida. Clean, friendly and quite charming. Very central, with all the historic sites within walking range.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Roman Forum

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Church of St Donatus