Experience the best of Mérida

The Romans founded Mérida as a colony for veteran soldiers, and its theatre, amphitheatre and great bridge over the Guadiana river still stand. The Roman theatre, built about 16 BCE, is still used for performances each summer, during a festival of classical drama.

The National Museum of Roman Art, designed by the architect Rafael Moneo, holds finds from the city's long Roman history. The Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress with towers, stands by the river. Monfragüe National Park, with cliffs where griffon vultures nest, lies a drive to the north-east.

Extremaduran cooking is rich: Iberian ham from acorn-fed pigs in the oak woodlands, pimentón de la Vera, a smoked paprika, and Torta del Casar, a soft sheep's cheese from the Cáceres hills. Summers are very hot and winters are mild. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to walk among the Roman remains.