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Fortress · Mérida, Extremadura
Alcazaba de Mérida
Arab fortress from 835 next to the Roman bridge, with walls made from reused Roman stones, remains of houses and an underground cistern with stairs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Alcazaba de Mérida
The Alcazaba of Mérida was ordered built in 835 by the emir of Córdoba Abd al-Rahman II, after uprisings by the local population, to control the city and the Roman bridge over the Guadiana. It is one of the oldest Muslim fortresses on the Iberian Peninsula.
The building is square, about 130 metres per side, with thick walls and towers. The builders reused stones from Roman and Visigothic buildings, and in several places you can see blocks with inscriptions and decorations that were repurposed. After the Christian conquest in 1230, the Alcazaba passed to the Ordem de Santiago, which built a convent in one corner.
Inside the walls are remains of Roman houses, a street and mosaic floors found during excavations. The most sought-after feature is the cistern, the aljibe: a covered staircase leads down to the water, which was filtered from the Guadiana river, in a cool, dark space with decorated Visigothic stones.
From the top of the wall you can see the entire Roman bridge and the river.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, combined with the Roman bridge. Check the opening hours, which change with the season.
How to get there
It is next to the Roman bridge, at the tip of the old town, a 5-minute walk from the Plaza de España.
Tip
Descend to the cistern carefully: the steps are wet. Climb the wall facing the river for the best view of the bridge. The Alcazaba is included in the combined monuments ticket.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Alcazaba de Mérida
Who built the Alcazaba of Mérida?
The emir of Córdoba Abd al‑Rahman II, in 835.
What is the cistern (aljibe) of the Alcazaba?
An underground cistern, reached by a staircase, that stored water filtered from the Guadiana River.
Is the Alcazaba included in the combined ticket?
Yes. It is usually included in the combined ticket of the Consorcio of the Ciudad Monumental.