Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Bridge · Mérida, Extremadura
Puente Romano de Mérida
Granite bridge from the 1st century BC over the river Guadiana, about 790 metres long with 60 arches, now pedestrian-only, with views of the Alcazaba and the ponte de Calatrava.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Puente Romano de Mérida
The Roman bridge of Mérida crosses the river Guadiana and was built at the city's foundation, at the end of the 1st century BC. With about 790 metres and 60 granite arches, it is one of the longest surviving bridges from Antiquity. It was the southern entrance to Augusta Emerita, on the road that came from Hispalis, present-day Sevilha.
The bridge spans the river in two sections, supported on an island in the middle of the Guadiana, where there was a large reinforcing pier. Some arches were rebuilt over the centuries after floods and wars, including during the Arab period and in the 17th century. Even so, the straight line and the stone breakwaters are original.
Until 1993 the bridge still carried cars. Today it is for pedestrians only; vehicle traffic was moved to the ponte de Lusitania, designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 1991, which can be seen downstream.
At the city end, the bridge reaches the side of the Alcazaba árabe, built to control passage.
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
20 to 40 minutes to cross and return.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the sun sets over the Guadiana, or at night with the bridge illuminated. There is no fee or set opening hours.
How to get there
It starts next to the Alcazaba, a 5-minute walk from Plaza de España. On the far side of the river, the riverside park has parking.
Tip
Walk the entire bridge and return along the riverbank, from where you can see the whole set of arches. From the middle of the bridge there is a good view of the Alcazaba and the ponte de Calatrava.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Puente Romano de Mérida
What is the length of the Roman bridge of Mérida?
About 790 meters, with 60 granite arches.
Do cars still cross the bridge?
No. Since 1993 it has been pedestrian-only.
Do you have to pay to cross the bridge?
No. The bridge is open at any time, free of charge.