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Mérida is the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. It has a population of 54,893 (2007).
HistoryIt was founded in the year. 25 BC, with the name of Emerita Augusta (the name Mérida is an evolution of this) 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 Gémina. The city became the capital of Lusitania province, and one of the most important cities in the Roman empire. Mérida preserves more important ancient Roman monuments than any other city in Spain (including a triumphal arch of the age of Trajan); because of this, the "Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida" is a World Heritage site. During the Visigothic period it maintained much of its splendour, especially under the sixth-century domination of the bishops, when it was the capital of Hispania. Bishop Paul brought the diocese great wealth, making it the wealthiest diocese in Spain. Bishop Fidelis rebuilt the cathedral and under the bishop Masona it became the site of the first recorded hospital in Spain. Buildings and structuresAmong the remaining Roman monuments are the Puente Romano, a bridge over the Guadiana river that is still used by pedestrians; an important fortification to defend the bridge, lately used by the Moors, called Alcazaba; the Temple of Diana; the remains of the Forum, including the Arch of Trajan; the remains of the Circus Maximus; the Acueducto de los Milagros (aqueduct); a villa called the Mitreo; the Embalse de Proserpina and Cornalvo reservoirs; the Circus, the Amphitheatre and the Roman Theatre where a summer festival of Classical theatre is presented, usually with versions of Greco-Roman classics or modern plays located in ancient times. One can also visit the Morerías archaeological site, Santa Maria's Cathedral and many others all around the city, and watch digging in progress, as well as the Museo Nacional de Arte Romano (by Rafael Moneo). There are several buildings of contemporary age as Escuela de la Administración Pública (Public Administration College), Consejerías y Asamblea de Junta de Extremadura (councils and parliament of Extremadura), Agencía de la Vivienda de Extremadura (Housing Agency of Extremadura), Biblioteca del Estado (State Library) , Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones (auditorium), Factoría de Ocio y Creación Joven (cultural and leisure center for young), Complejo Cultural Hernán Cortés (cultural center), Ciudad Deportiva (sport's city), Universidad de Mérida (Mérida University), Confederación Hidrografica del Guadiana (Guadiana Hydrografic Confederation from Rafael Moneo), Puente Lusitania (Lusitania Bridge over Guadiana River from Santiago Calatrava), Palacio de Justicia (Justice Hall)...
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