🇪🇸 Spain's Underrated Gem: The Mystical Mérida

🌅Today I'm recommending a "living Roman fossil" city overlooked by 90% of travelers - Mérida, where 2,000-year-old theaters and arenas still stand in breathtaking preservation. ✅ Open-Air Archaeological Museum The entire city is dotted with 20+ Roman ruins (all UNESCO sites) - theaters, aqueducts, even undiscovered underground ruins! Every step feels like walking through history. ✅ More Peaceful Than Rome. You can explore the main sites in half a day: 📷 Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano): Built in 15 BC (renovated by Emperors Trajan & Constantine). Still hosts classical theater festivals every July-August✨ The "Seven Chairs" legend says kings once decided the city's fate here 🥳 Amphitheater (Anfiteatro Romano) Built in 8 BC for 16,000 spectators of gladiator battles and beast fights. Original beast cages still visible 🌟Rough-hewn local stone gives raw, ancient vibes. Bonus: Catch live music at Plaza Santa Lucía 📍 Tips:✔ Combo tickets save money✔ Easy access: 1.5hr from Madrid by train, 2hr from Lisbon #SpainTravel #RomanRuins #HiddenGems