Mérida

Mérida is a must if you have even the slightest interest in archaeology. The Roman ruins here are astounding and conveniently grouped together so you can wander from one to the other. Especially awesome is the theater built by Agrippa, the son-in-law of the Emperor Augustus. A semi-circle of tiered-stone bleachers faces onto a huge stage backed by a two-storied gallery held up by slender columns interspersed with marble statues. Just across the street from the park where the ruins are located is a stunning museum—a modern edifice of admirable design with a massive, arched, brick ceiling pierced by skylights that set off to perfection the many Roman artifacts displayed within.