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Merida is in the middle of Extramadura, Spain and consequently
is the focus of tourist traffic. It is also quite a beehive of
economic activity and construction that I didn't expect. |
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When I entered the city from the bus station I walked across
this incredibly long Roman bridge like a conqueror. It is in
excellent condition helped these days by a new bridge west of
here that takes most of the traffic. On the right is the plaza
mayor where you can sit on tables under umbrellas and somebody
will be sure to come and serve you a drink to help you cope with
the difficult touring work you are doing. |
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What is fascinating about this bustling city is that as recent
as the 1920's Merida had a population of about a thousand souls.
At that time, in the unexcavated pit of the colosseum (right)
they kept a herd of goats. The theatre on the left has been
restored to the point where they have performances there again.
The picture is taken from the top of a nicely restored
semicircular seating area. From the remnant marble visible that
finished off the fascade I was very much impressed with how
superior those Roman craftsmanship were to our immitators of
today. |