Merida - Day 5 - Basilica of Sta. Eulalia

Today we headed to the Basilica of Santa Eulalia. There is a crypt there.  On top of the crypt was built a Roman Villa. Then on top of that was built the Basilica and you can view all the different layers. The combination €7,50 ticket covers the crypt. The church is an extra €2 but to us was very much worth it to see the inside. That small contribution helps with the upkeep. Here are a few photos.

Painted  mausoleum 

Jesus’ feet are black from the devoted touching and kissing them. 

The beauty of the statues blow my mind. 

Santiago!

We saw many people, young and old, stop at this street shrine to pray

Merida Day 4 - Alcazaba

On the way to the Alcazaba we stopped at my favorite Pollo Asada place called EL PALACIO DEL POLLO for a whole spit roasted chicken.

Soon we found the Alcazaba and spent a good hour exploring.

Merida - Day 4- Roman Ruins - Casa Mitreo

What a wonderful 2d day we had in Merida!

First we got up early, had breakfast in our room, then an early start to the Roman Theater ruins.
It is spectacular!  Here are a few photos. The tiny guy is Joe who is over 6 ft tall!

This photo shows how thin the white marble veneer was.
At one time the entire structure would’ve been covered with white marble. 

Next we walked down to the bullring and crossed the street to see Casa Mitrea, an incredible, HUGE Roman villa ruin. The mosaic floors were wonderful and this house was obviously a mansion, complete with fountains, gardens, and running hot and cold water. This house would have been near the time of Christ so to think people in those times were bumpkins is waaaay off.

Merida - Day 3

Because the albergue in Torremejia is quite undesirable, we decided to bus to Merida today. And because my shins and feet are screaming, I’m so happy we did. The ticket was around €3,60. The trip took about one hour. 

We are staying in Hostal Abadias, where I stayed back in 2013. I really love this little place. It is clean and for only €32 per night for a twin double, quite affordable.  In addition, breakfast is delivered to your door for three euros each.

After we checked into our hotel and rested for about 30 minutes, we went to the museum which was free today since it is Sunday. And then we went and bought two tickets to all the other attractions, including the Roman theater, the Basilica de Santa Eulalia, the Roman bridge, the Alcazaba, and the Temple of Diana.  For one price of €7.50, we get to see everything. The price is a pensionista price so you must be over 65 years old.

I took a lot of the same photos that I posted in 2013, but here are some of my favorites. Sorry but these are not in order. I will fix them when I get home and have a laptop.

One of many stone boxes. 

Storks nesting on the Aquaduct

Wonderful tile mosaic floors 1st century 

Original Roman road

This guy could live in Beaverton, Oregon. I think he goes to my son’s gym!

Yes they ARE peni 

Olive press

First century glasswork was incredibly fine and beautiful

Glass bowl. Jesus’ time. 

Stork

Tomorrow after breakfast, we will head out and see as much as we can. We are here for three days because there’s a lot to see and I don’t want to have to rush.

I stuck to my budget today. Here is what I spent:

€3,60 bus ticket

  1,20 café con leche

  7,50 ticket

  5,00 donner kabob

________________

€17,30

It’s laundry day. And there is a BATHTUB!!!

And so my laundry and I took a long hot bath. 😊

And now, all there is to do is relax.

Oops!  Look how tiny these glass bottles are. 1st century.