Ruins of Roman Aqueduct of Merida, Spain

Roman aqueducts of yesteryear were lifelines of their civilization then! In Merida we spotted  the ruins of gigantic aqueduct. It was bang across the road when we were exiting Merida towards Elvas in Portugal.

Roman Aqueduct of Merida

This aqueduct “the Los Milagros aqueduct” is one of the most well preserved remains from1AD. It is 25m (82 ft) high and around 830m (2,720 ft) long.

The Los Milagros aqueduct functioned as water supply lines to the settlements around – Augusta Emerita, which was the capital of Roman Lusitania, modern Merida. Roman Aqueduct of Merida is a fine example of Roman engineering skills.

The triple levels of looming brick arches are visible from far. The combination of the building materials, alternating layers of bricks and granite makes it very attractive.

I have here pics clicked from car while driving out after seeing the Roman Theatre of Merida. The aqueduct tops seem to be conquered by the storks that have nested there with their growing family over all the arches.

Roman Aqueduct of Merida

Roman Aqueduct of Merida, driveby shot

Roman Aqueduct of Merida

Google Map of the Aqueduct

This is the satellite version of google map of aqueduct of Merida. You can see the shadow the aqueduct. You can click to enlarge and see details. This aqueduct is included in the list of 10 most beautiful Roman aqueducts in the world. You can see the entire list here: 10 Most Beautiful Roman Aqueducts. I have seen 2 in this list. How many have you seen?

Google map of Roman Aqueduct of Merida
5 Must Do Things in Elvas, Portugal
Roman Theater, Merida, Spain, a Must See

38 Responses to “Ruins of Roman Aqueduct of Merida, Spain

  • It’s amazing when you travel to all these different European countries and realize just how expansive the Roman Empire was. I’ve only seen one on that top 10 list, though. This one is much more beautiful than the one in Rome. Thanks for sharing more about this beautiful piece of history.

  • I’d enjoy seeing the Los Milagros aqueduct. It’s hard to believe something that old still stands. I’m such a sucker for ancient ruins.

  • These structures are still amazing today and to think they were built 2000 years ago.

  • It’s incredible to think that the aqueducts built in 1AD and still surviving. Incredibly. Thanks for providing the Google Map photo for perspective. Truly a work of ingenuity and sophisticated engineering!

  • I can’t believe you can park right by the aqueducts in Merida! They are so impressive and definitely look like they’re worth visiting. Love the aerial Google shot!

  • It’s amazing to me that something built in 1AD can still be standing. I don’t think anything being built today could stand that long. It’s very impressive. Those storks are huge too! I guess they find anyplace they can to build their nests. The spots have to be strong and big enough.

  • I love Roman aqueducts. They look great. It’s good that Merida has preserved them, and great idea about including a Google Maps photo! It does show the aqueduct in a different perspective.

  • The whole concept of an aqueduct is just amazing. I have to say, this isn’t my favourite, but probably because it is so ancient and not so well preserved as some of those I’ve seen (four on your list!). But, I’d like to go check it out all the same!

  • This is what fascinates me about Europe- there’s so much history, and it’s just EVERYWHERE, like a random roadway 🙂 I can assure you that’s not the case where I live here in Canada.

  • NEver even knew there was an aqueduct in Spain. I remember seeing one near Avignon in southern France (Pont du Gard) which is in great condition. Love coming across ancient monuments and buildings whilst traveling around Southern Europe.

  • vatsala mallya
    8 years ago

    Old civilization dating back to 1AD , truly marvellous ! Amazing engineering skill !

  • Great captures Indrani!! We have seen the Aqueduct of Segovia, its truely an amazing feeling when you look at the genius ancient engineering works 🙂

  • Roman Architecture is unique by itself.. Nice Photo Clicks!

  • These structures " aqueducts " are there since 1Ad ? it is very interesting and definitely give a chance to learn to worlds Civil Engineers !! very beautiful post Indrani ji

  • Great shots and good text, Indrani.

  • impressive. thanks for the additional info and google map.

  • That is a beautiful aqueduct or remains of one.
    Nice to see it in the satellite image too. 🙂

  • Such an interesting place. Great captures 🙂

  • Yes Mridula I do have a closeup of the nests but not from aqueduct from another place. Portugal is full of them.

  • I have not seen even a single one 🙁 Glad to see it through your pictures. Do you have a close up of the birds?

  • Lovely captures 🙂

  • Interesting article and also the satellite version of Google map over Merida, Spain.

  • Helo Indrani, beautiful captures of the Aqueduct. It is neat to see the storks nesting on top, I would love to see this scene. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!

  • WOW! AWESOME pics! 🙂

  • Awesome clicks, Indrani. Thanks for sharing.. 🙂

  • Need to see all these 10 Most Beautiful Roman Aqueducts.Will definitely share once we visit these lovely Roman Aqueducts.Glad that you saw 2 from these list.
    Beautiful Shots.

    Cheers,
    Sriram & Krithiga

  • Monuments aside their cars though resemble quite a few models presently plying in our country 😀

  • Lovely tall arches. Seems quite an interesting historical place 🙂

  • Reminders of old civilization are so intesting and fascinating.

  • That was good engineering!!!!

  • Aqueduct preserved from 1 AD! Their engineering skills were simply amazing!

  • What amazing remains!

  • Beautiful tall arches 🙂

  • wow… how i love such places… awesome!! 🙂

  • Terrific captures for the day, Indrani!! A wonderful look back in time! Thanks for sharing, as always! Hope you have a great new week! Enjoy!

  • Interesting piece of history. Nice tall arches.

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