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Home > Travel Spain > Spain Destinations > Merida
Merida
Spain, also known as Kingdom of Spain, is one of the oldest inhabited regions on the planet. It is a country which is located in Southern Europe, and politically organized as a parliamentary monarchy. It is the largest sovereign nation of the three nations that make up the Iberian Peninsula. Administratively, Spain is divided into 50 provinces, grouped into 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities with a high degree of autonomy. The name Spain comes from the Latin name Hispania whose capital is Madrid which is also the largest city of the Country.
Merida is the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. It is located in the province of Badajoz and has a population of 53,089 in 2005. Merida was founded in 25 BC, with the name of Emerita Augusta by order of Emperor Augustus, to protect a pass and a bridge over the Guadiana River. Two veteran legions were the former settlers V Alaudae and X Gemina. The city became the capital of Lusitania province and one of the most significant cities in the Roman Empire. Merida preserves more important ancient Roman monuments than any other city in Spain because of this and the Archaeological Ensemble of Merida is a World Heritage site.
Among the remaining Roman monuments are the Puente Romano, a bridge over the Guadiana River that is still used by pedestrians. Merida has also been described as a mini version of Rome. The longest Roman Bridge in Spain is just one monument worth seeing.
Several attractions in Merida are the National Museum of Roman Art, the Roman Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the Circus Maximus.
The cities of Merida in Venezuela, capital of Merida State and Merida in Yucatan, Mexico, were named after Merida in Spain. A square in Merida called the Glorieta de las Meridas del Mundo contains an obelisk commemorating the three sister cities. Merida is a city known for its historic myths and traditions, scenic beauty, luxurious hotels and cottages and is one of the beloved holiday destinations for most of the vacation lovers.
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