The Parador of Merida is another of the Paradores that is located on the "ruta de la plata" - which may be the oldest road in Europe. Built by the Romans, the road got it's name (plata) from the type of stones with which it was paved - called balatha.
The Merida Parador is housed in a building that has a very long history. It has been controlled by Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians, and has gone through times of being a Roman forum and temple, a mosque, a church, a hospital, a jail - and now a very fine Parador hotel.
Most of the ancient vestiges that remain in the Parador of Merida are from the monastery built by the Franciscans in the 15th century. It has a very lovely patio surrounded by arches supported by marble columns. The lounge is the former chapel and has an extraordinarily beautiful ceiling. The Parador of Merida has a serene air and really is one of the prettiest in the Parador chain.
The city of Merida has a fascinating history. Founded around 25 B.C. by the Romans, it was at one time one of the most splendid cities in all of Iberia and was actually the capital of Lusitania (the Roman name for what we now call Portugal). There are more Roman ruins here than anywhere else in Spain, and they make for appealing site-seeing.
Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Merida into the city and nearby environs:
- The Roman Bridge: at a half-mile in length, this was the longest Roman-built bridge in Spain. It has now been closed to car traffic, so you can stroll leisurely and peacefully out across the river Guadiana and take in the views back to the city.
- The Roman Amphitheater: When it was operating in the 1st century B.C. - this grand place seated 15 thousand - who came to watch gladiators and chariot races and fake sea battles (they actually flooded the arena so mock ships could float inside the amphitheater!).
- The Roman Aqueduct: Aqueducto de los Milagros isn't nearly as well preserved as the one in Segovia, but it has a "haunting" feel to it and harkens back to pre-Biblical times.
- The Alcazaba: This fairly well preserved Moorish castle-fortress was later used by the Knights of Santiago.
- The National Museum of Roman Art: Well worth a visit - it contains all manner of archeologically interesting remains from Roman times.
- There are many other wonderful things to see in Merida - try to stay a few days in order to do this magnificent city justice.
Interesting day trips from the Parador of Merida include:
- Caceres: 68 kilometers to the north is one of the finest "monumental" towns in Spain and has been declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO.
- Trujillo: 90 kilometers away - Trujillo is a simple treasure . . . Spain as it once was, and with a plaza to rival any other in Spain.
- Zafra: 60 kilometers to the south - Zafra is a pleasant town to visit (and there is a Parador there for you to stay at if you prefer).
The Parador Merida is a fine place to stay, and it is located in one of the most interesting cities you'll ever visit. Don't hesitate to enjoy this unique combinations of experiences if you are ever traveling in this "out-back" area of Spain - the far west of Extremadura.
SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty - the wonderful Paradors of Spain.