From Caceres we drove the short distance of 47 miles to Merida, where we are staying in an ‘autocaravana parking’ right in the centre. Rather than a campsite its more a car park with water, electricity and toilet emptying point; there are lots of these on the continent but sadly not in UK. It’s 15 euros for the night, about £12.50.
Merida, population 60k (similar to Canterbury), has many beautifully preserved Roman buildings from BCE, including a theatre that seated several thousand, an amphitheatre used for gladiator fighting that seated 13,000, Temple of Diana, a circus and many many more. There is also a Roman Bridge which spans the river at a length of nearly 800 meters. In addition, the 9th century Alcazar, the Moorish fort is also in good condition.
