Hands up those who know all about Mérida? Well I was one who would have gone to the back of the class before our first visit here, almost by accident, on the way home to Portugal a few years ago.

The former capital of Roman Lusitania, this city in the Spanish province of Extremadura, has some of Europe’s best preserved ruins from 2000 years ago when Rome ruled the known (to Europeans) world.

One could easily spend days here but we had just a full afternoon (and a morning to come tomorrow) with our art group active in the Roman Theatre and the non-painters exploring the whole complex, including the amphitheater (scene of gladiatorial battles long past) and then the nearby jaw-dropping National Museum of Roman Art.

Photos don’t do justice to the display over several floors, and a crypt, that showcase sculptures, mosaics, artifacts, coins, glassware, etc. from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD. Worth a hike to far western Spain for the experience.