Stork nests crown the Roman aqueduct in Merida

Tuesday, October 28, 2019                                                                               Merida

We were on our own in Merida after our tour of the Roman amphitheater and theater.  There are many Roman ruins in this city, including a Temple of Diana, a circus maximus, an aqueduct and an old Roman bridge.  After spending some time in the new Roman Museum, we decided to walk across the city to see the aqueduct.

The Aqueducto Los Milagros, or Aqueduct of the Miracles, is a Roman masterwork. The 6-mile (10 km) structure was built to supply Emerita Augusta with water collected from the Proserpina cistern located  3 miles from the city. The water traveled along the aqueduct and collected in a large square tank called castellum aquae. The complex scheme of arches adjusted for natural ground elevations and ensured that water traveled via gravity into the city. 

Micheal, walking in the foreground, gives a sense of the immense size of these ancient arches

The square holding tanks - castellum aquae

This section, less well preserved, has stork nexts adorning the top of the broken arches

Unfortunately, the nests are empty, as the storks have migrated to warmer locations for the winter

We walked back to our group meeting spot, next to the museum, and did some window shopping
along the way.  We passed an interesting fish market, whose fragrance preceded our arrival by 
about a block (!)

We enjoyed an alfresco lunch of tapas and were grateful that our waiter advised half orders to 
share - iberian jamon, mixed salad and a torta (melted goat cheese with crackers) - yum!

Fishmonger trimming fillets for customers

Luncheon al fresco cafe served delicious tapas

Torta - a small melted wheel of goat cheese - was savory and delicious

Imagine our surprise when we all got back on the bus to head to Carmona, and the group stopped to see the Roman aqueduct.  If we had known, we would have walked instead to see the Roman Bridge. 

Two bridges in one view - a modern Calatrava design and a Roman bridge from 25 BC

We were able to see the Roman bridge from the bus.  It spans the Guadiana River and is 

located next to a modern bridge designed by Calatrava.  The guidebook says its the longest 

intact Roman bridge in the world and it's still in use as a footbridge.