Museum

National Museum of Roman Art

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The National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida is a must-visit for anyone interested in Roman history. Designed by renowned architect Rafael Moneo, the building itself is a masterpiece, with its grand arches and brickwork evoking a Roman basilica. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the Roman city of Augusta Emerita (modern-day Mérida), including statues, mosaics, inscriptions, pottery, and everyday objects. Highlights include the exquisite mosaics from Roman villas, the marble statues of emperors and gods, and the reconstructed sections of Roman roads and buildings. The museum's layout guides visitors through the history of the city from its founding in 25 BC to the end of the Roman Empire. Interactive displays and well-written labels provide context in Spanish and English. The museum also connects directly to the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre via an underground passage, making it easy to combine visits. It is one of the finest Roman museums in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Don't miss

  • Admire the stunning mosaic floors, including the famous 'Mosaic of the Chariot Race'.
  • See the colossal marble statue of Emperor Augustus and other imperial portraits.
  • Walk through the underground passage that connects the museum to the Roman Theatre.
  • Examine the collection of Roman glassware, jewelry, and everyday tools.
  • Don't miss the reconstructed Roman funerary monuments and inscriptions.

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Ways to visit National Museum of Roman Art

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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