Temple of Diana travel guide

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Introduction to Temple of Diana

Experience the renowned Temple of Diana up close on your next visit to the beautiful country of Spain. Temple of Diana is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,000 reviews, making it a visit worth anticipating.

Make your trip to Spain extra memorable by adding a visit to Temple of Diana in your travel plans, one of the best attractions to visit in Mérida.

History of Temple of Diana

The Temple of Diana is a remarkable historical monument located in Merida, an ancient city in Spain. Constructed in the late 1st century BC or early 1st century AD, it was part of the Roman Forum, the city's main public area.

Originally, the temple was dedicated to the Imperial cult, not Diana, but the misinterpretation by local historians led to its current name. The temple is a classic example of a Roman peripteral temple, surrounded on all sides by a colonnade. It sits on a podium and originally had six columns along the front and back and eight along the sides.

In the 16th century, the Duke of Corbos built a palace within the temple's structure, which inadvertently aided in preserving the site. Today, the Temple of Diana is a centerpiece in Merida's archaeological ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-visit for history enthusiasts touring Spain.

Unique features of Temple of Diana

The Temple of Diana stands out for its well-preserved Roman architecture. Despite its name, it was not actually dedicated to the goddess Diana, but likely to the Imperial cult. This unique attribution makes the temple an intriguing point of interest.

The temple is noteworthy for its asymmetrical design, a rarity amongst Roman structures. This deviation from the symmetrical norm is due to a 16th-century Renaissance palace built within the temple's columns, which adds a fascinating layer of history to the site.

The grand podium on which the temple stands is another distinguishing feature. The podium is almost completely intact, making it one of the most well-preserved in the Roman world. The temple also boasts an impressive colonnade, with six columns standing at the front and back, and a further eleven on each side. These Corinthian columns, with their distinctive fluted design and ornate capitals, add to the temple's majestic appearance.

The temple's location in the heart of Merida also sets it apart. It is an impressive sight amidst the city's modern buildings, a testament to Merida's Roman history.

Located in Mérida, Spain

Located in the dynamic Mérida, the popular Temple of Diana is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Mérida or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Spain.

Mérida is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Mérida offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Mérida and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Teatro Romano de Mérida, Roman Circus of Mérida, Acueducto de los Milagros, National Museum of Roman Art, and Casa del Mitreo y área funeraria de Los Columbarios.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Mérida has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Mérida, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Spain!

How to get to Temple of Diana

Temple of Diana is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Mérida, Spain. If you're flying in, Badajoz Airport is approximately 25.7 miles (41.4 km) away from Mérida. From there, you can easily reach Temple of Diana by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Mérida, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Temple of Diana, which is located 0.1 miles (0.1 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Temple of Diana, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is C. Romero Leal, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz, Spain.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Temple of Diana!

Best time to visit Temple of Diana

The best time to explore the Temple of Diana largely depends on your preference for climate and crowd levels. For comfortable weather, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the most favorable seasons. These periods offer mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and lush scenery, making your visit more enjoyable and relaxed. The summer months of July and August can be quite hot, but they are ideal if you prefer a lively atmosphere, as Merida hosts the renowned Classical Theatre Festival during this period, which adds a unique cultural element to your visit. However, keep in mind that these months also attract the largest crowds. To avoid the peak daytime heat and large tour groups, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Regardless of the season, an evening visit is always mesmerizing, as the temple is beautifully lit up, creating a magical and unforgettable experience.

Temple of Diana travel plans

photo of view of Merida, Spain.

There's no better way to discover the wonders of Temple of Diana and other top attractions in Mérida than with a perfectly planned holiday package! Travel packages to Mérida include everything you need to fully immerse yourself in Temple of Diana's wonders and in the beauty and history of the region. These packages offer the perfect opportunity to delve into Temple of Diana and experience a variety of activities and destinations tailored to suit all types of travelers.

Keep reading to discover the best travel plans and insider tips for uncovering the charm of this one-of-a-kind Roman temple in Spain.

Top Temple of Diana travel plans

The easiest way to plan a holiday with a visit to Temple of Diana is to book a holiday package. With everything organized seamlessly for you, from accommodations to transportation, you can relax and focus solely on creating lasting memories at this top attraction in the city of Mérida.

Choose from vacations ranging from relaxing weekend getaways to exciting city breaks in Mérida, or embark on an adventurous road trip across multiple regions in Spain, all while immersing yourself in the wonders of Temple of Diana.

One of the most popular vacation packages among travelers visiting Spain is the 7-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Málaga traveling west to Cordova, Merida, and Seville. This all-in-one vacation includes adventure-packed days with visits to Temple of Diana and plenty of other bucket-list attractions in Spain, such as the famous Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes, Malaga Museum, Jardín Botánico Histórico - La Concepción, Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga, and Picasso Museum Málaga.

If you can extend your stay in Spain for a few more days, you’re in for a treat. Experience the best week and a half of your life with the Cheap 10-Day Spain Road Trip from Madrid traveling west to Ciudad Real, Seville, and Trujillo. Your itinerary will be filled with visits to top attractions like Plaza de España, Museo Nacional del Prado, San Miguel Market, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and Royal Palace of Madrid, in addition to recommendations for the best activities to join along your route. You’ll return home with a camera gallery full of memories from your iconic trip across Spain.

Enjoy the convenience of having all accommodations, transportation, and activities taken care of before you arrive on your trip to Spain. All you need to do is pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable holiday in Mérida. Discover the best package holidays to Spain below.

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Where to stay near Temple of Diana

photo of view of Scenic aerial view of Spanish city of Merida with ancient Roman Bridge and modern Lusitania Bridge over Guadiana river

Conveniently explore Temple of Diana and plenty more captivating attractions in Mérida by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Temple of Diana and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Mérida has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Temple of Diana below.

Top hotels near Temple of Diana

Make the most of your visit to Temple of Diana by staying nearby at one of the top hotels in Mérida. Not only will you be within a comfortable distance from Temple of Diana, but you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy the excellent amenities and exceptional service provided by these accommodations.

For a delightful 3-star stay near Temple of Diana, check out Zeus, located only 0.5 miles (0.7 km) from the attraction. This hotel has earned a remarkable 3,908 out of 5 stars from 4 guests. A stay at Zeus starts at approximately 54 EUR per night.

If a 4-star hotel is more your style, check out the chic Parador de Mérida, only 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the Roman temple. With an outstanding 1,735 out of 5 stars from 4 satisfied guests, this hotel is one of the best-rated stays near Temple of Diana. One night at this hotel costs from 82 EUR per night.

For the ultimate luxury stay near Temple of Diana, the 5-star Hotel ILUNION Mérida Palace is a top choice, nestled just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) from Temple of Diana. With an impressive average rating of 1,735 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews, this remarkable hotel promises an unforgettable stay with rates starting at 116 EUR per night.

Explore all your options and find the best hotel in Mérida near the Temple of Diana below.

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Other top attractions in Mérida

Aside from Temple of Diana, Mérida is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Mérida, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Teatro Romano de Mérida, Roman Circus of Mérida, and Acueducto de los Milagros.

Teatro Romano de Mérida is a bucket-list establishment and top attraction in Mérida, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 40,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Teatro Romano de Mérida is Plaza Margarita Xirgu, s/n, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz, Spain.

Another appreciated attraction in Mérida is Roman Circus of Mérida. Like Teatro Romano de Mérida, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars among 10,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this establishment is Av. De Juan Carlos I, s/n, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz, Spain.

Acueducto de los Milagros is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Mérida. This establishment and top attraction in Mérida has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,200 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Av. Vía de la Plata, S/N, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz, Spain.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Mérida below.

Map of attractions in Mérida

Your next adventure is waiting for you in the city of Mérida. Explore the map to discover all the popular attractions you’ll visit on your unforgettable vacation in Spain.

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