The Acueducto de los Milagros is a Roman aqueduct on the outskirts of Mérida, Spain. Built in the 1st century AD to carry water into the colony of Emerita Augusta, it crosses the valley of the Albarregas river inside a park. More than 800 metres of its original length still stands, in three levels of semicircular arches. Storks nest on top of the arches, and ibis and stilts feed in the stream below. Admission is free, so it works as a stop of an hour or less.
Why the Romans built it
The aqueduct dates to the 1st century AD. Its job was to bring water to Emerita Augusta, the Roman colony that is now Mérida. The water came from the Proserpina reservoir, about 5 km away, and flowed along the channel to a large square tank called the castellum aquae.
Near the northern end, a pool purified the water before it moved on. The structure is built from granite and red brick. It has not carried water for centuries.
Locals later called it the Miraculous Aqueduct because so much of it survives. Over time, stone was taken from it for other buildings in the city.
What you see along the walk
The surviving stretch has three levels of semicircular arches, and distribution towers once helped move the water. The tallest pillars reach about 25 metres, and the path runs beneath them. You cannot climb the pillars. A dozen or so complete arches still stand, and storks nest on top of them for much of the year.
Look down at the stream as well as up at the stonework. Ibis and stilts feed in the water below.
Around the aqueduct
The aqueduct sits in the Parque del Río Albarregas, a green riverside park. From the structure you get views over Mérida. A Roman bridge over the same river stands close by, so you can photograph both together.
The site is near Mérida's train station, and free street parking is available nearby. The city's other Roman sites include the theatre, the amphitheatre and the Temple of Diana.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
No. Admission is free, and the park is open at all hours.
How long do you need?
Plan 30 to 60 minutes to walk along the arches, see the stream and watch the storks.
Can you climb the aqueduct?
No. You cannot climb the pillars, but you can walk the path beneath them.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible. The ground can be muddy and soft after rain, so check the path before you go.
