Historic sites in Extremadura

Historic Sites of Extremadura

Extremadura preserves some of Spain's most significant archaeological and architectural treasures. This selection features the UNESCO-listed Roman colony of Augusta Emerita in Mérida, including its remarkably intact theatre, amphitheatre, and aqueducts. Beyond Roman history, the list includes the Moorish alcazabas of Badajoz and Trujillo, the Gothic-Renaissance Palace of Zafra, and the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe. These sites document the region's transition from a strategic Roman provincial capital to a frontier of Islamic and Christian medieval power.

Historic Sites of Extremadura — Map

Octopus / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Alcazaba of Mérida

The Alcazaba is a ninth-century Muslim fortification in Mérida, Spain.

dadelmo / CC BY-SA 3.0 es

B

Temple of Diana

A 1st-century AD Roman temple located in the municipal forum of Augusta Emerita. Its granite Corinthian columns remain standing because the structure was later incorporated into a 16th-century Renaissance palace.

Rodrigoloso / CC BY-SA 3.0 es

C

Miraculous Aqueduct

The Acueducto de los Milagros is a Roman aqueduct in Mérida, Spain. It was built during the first century AD to supply water from the…

Yuntero / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Trajan Arch

This 15-meter-high Roman granite arch served as a monumental gateway to the provincial forum. Despite its traditional name, historical evidence suggests it was likely constructed during the Tiberian era.

Marilink / CC BY-SA 3.0 es

E

Basílica de Santa Eulalia

Built over a 4th-century martyrium, this basilica features a crypt containing archaeological remains of Roman houses and a Visigothic Christian necropolis.

Xosema / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Roman Circus of Mérida

The Roman circus of Mérida is a ruined Roman circus in Mérida, Spain. Used for chariot racing, it was modelled on the Circus Maximus in Rome…

Elemaki / CC BY 3.0

G

Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary Major

The Metropolitan co-cathedral of Saint Mary Major of Mérida is a Roman Catholic cathedral church in Mérida, Extremadura, western Spain.

Chris Lara / CC-BY-SA

H

Roman Forum

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…

Tiberioclaudio99 / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe

The Royal Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe is a Roman Catholic monastic establishment built during the 14th century located in…

Xosema / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Amphitheatre of Mérida

The Amphitheatre of Mérida is a ruined Roman amphitheatre situated in the Roman colony of Emerita Augusta, present-day Mérida, in Spain.

José Luis Filpo Cabana / CC BY 3.0

K

Museo Nacional De Arte Romano

The National Museum of Roman Art is an archaeology museum located in Mérida, Spain.

Javier Losa / CC BY 2.0

L

Bujaco Tower

Moorish tower is a popular landmark dominating the old town of Caceres. The lookout is worth the climbing effort.

Xosema / CC BY-SA 4.0

M

Roman Theatre of Mérida

The Roman Theatre of Mérida is a construction promoted by the consul Vipsanius Agrippa in the Roman city of Emerita Augusta, capital of…

Vicente Bustos / CC-BY-SA

N

Los Columbarios

An ancient Roman funerary complex consisting of two roofless buildings. The site contains original inscriptions and burial niches used by the families of the Roman colony.

Icorbacho / GFDL

O

Alcazaba of Badajoz

The Alcazaba of Badajoz is an ancient Moorish citadel in Badajoz, Extremadura, western Spain.

Caligatus / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

Trujillo Castle

A Moorish fortress built in the 9th century watches over the city. An elaborate water system can be spotted at the courtyard.

Pederseguro / Public domain

Q

Castle of Zafra

The Palace of the Dukes of Feria or the Castle of Zafra is a Gothic castle in Zafra, Badajoz, Spain, founded in 1443.

Jesusccastillo / CC BY-SA 3.0 es

R

Cáparra

The Roman city of Cáparra is located in the north of Extremadura in the valley of the River Alagón.

Discasto / CC BY-SA 3.0 es

S

Castillo de Granadilla

A 15th-century fortification with a unique polylobed tower design. It was built over Almohad foundations and overlooks the abandoned medieval village and the Gabriel y Galán reservoir.

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