Mérida is just over 40 kilometers from Montánchez. Mérida is a well kept secret and it is also the capital of Extremadura. It was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. Except for Rome itself, it houses the largest collection in the world of Roman buildings and treasures from that period. For that reason, Mérida is also known as the “Rome of Spain”. You can buy a one-day tourist pass that gives access to all the monuments. Mérida is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s Roman Theatre is one of the best preserved in the world, and every year a season of classical theatre performances are organised there. The atmosphere is very pleasant and it is remarkably quiet for such a major city. In the Plaza Mayor (the main square) you can relax on one of its many terraces. On the banks of the Guadiana River there is a beautiful park where you can enjoy a walk or bike ride, as the locals do in their free time.