![Pórtico del Foro Municipal de Mérida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Portico-del-Foro-Municipal-de-Merida.jpg)
The Portico of the Municipal Forum in Merida is a jewel of Spain’s historical and architectural heritage. Located on Sagasta Street, this archaeological wonder allows us to travel back in time to Roman times. The portico, one corner of a much larger complex, was part of the Municipal Forum of Augusta Emerita, the ancient Merida.
History and context
![](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Portico-del-Foro-Municipal-de-Merida-2.jpg)
Merida, known in Roman times as Augusta Emerita, was a city of great importance both administratively and politically. As a colony and capital of the province of Lusitania, the city had two forums: one municipal and the other provincial. The Portico of the Municipal Forum was part of the first, a square where civil affairs were discussed and where the divinities of the Roman pantheon were worshipped.
This magnificent portico was erected in the first century A.D., inspired by the Forum of Augustus in Rome. Its location and architecture make it one of the masterpieces of Roman urbanism, reflecting the wealth and culture of the Empire.
Architectural features
![](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Portico-del-Foro-Municipal-de-Merida-3.jpg)
The Portico of the Municipal Forum is known for its architectural opulence.
It was entirely covered with marble, and remains of this material can still be seen in some areas of the monument. The large Corinthian columns support an entablature adorned with intricate metopes. In the attic there are alternating medallions with heads of Jupiter-Amon and Medusa, as well as caryatids bearing craters.
The design of this portico was a display of art and power. Its enclosing walls feature large niches intended to house statues, both of the imperial family and of divinities and myths related to the history of Rome and the family of Augustus.
Decorative elements and symbolism
![](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Portico-del-Foro-Municipal-de-Merida-4.jpg)
The portico was not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a propagandistic showcase that paid homage to Rome’s mythical origins and legacy.
The medallions with the head of Jupiter-Amon represent the cultural syncretism between Roman and Egyptian civilizations. Medusa, on the other hand, has a mythological and apotropaic significance, converting to stone those who looked at it and offering protection to the site.
Some curiosities
- Adding to its attractiveness, the Portico of the Forum was also a commercial and religious center of the time.
- It is located near the Temple of Diana and is believed to have been flanked by stores, taverns and administrations.
- The thermal baths, the Temple of Mars and a basilica could also have been part of this grandiose urban complex.
Location and visit
Today, the portico is located on Sagasta Street, very close to the Temple of Diana and the National Museum of Roman Art in Merida. The visits are free and it is a must-see for those interested in Roman history and art.
More of Merida’s historical heritage
![teatro romano de merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/teatro-romano-de-merida-390x200.jpg)
Roman Theater of Merida
![anfiteatro romano de merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/panoramica-anfiteatro-merida-390x200.jpg)
Mérida Roman Amphitheater
![circo romano de merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/circo-romano-de-merida-390x200.jpg)
Roman Circus of Merida
![alcazaba arabe merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/alcazaba-arabe-merida-390x200.jpg)
Moorish Alcazaba of Merida
![puente romano merida sobre guadiana](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/puente-romano-merida-sobre-guadiana-390x200.jpg)
Roman Bridge of Merida over the Guadiana river
![concatedral santa maria la mayor merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/concatedral-santa-maria-la-mayor-merida-390x200.jpg)
Co-cathedral of Santa María la Mayor of Mérida
![acueducto de los milagros merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/acueducto-de-los-milagros-merida-390x200.jpg)
Los Milagros de Merida Aqueduct
![templo romano diana merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/templo-romano-diana-merida-390x200.jpg)
Roman Temple of Diana in Mérida
![casa mitreo merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/casa-mitreo-merida-390x200.jpg)
Casa del Mitreo House in Mérida
![](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Conjunto-Arqueologico-de-Moreria-de-Merida-390x200.jpg)
Morería de Mérida Archaeological Site
![plaza de españa merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/plaza-de-espana-merida-390x200.jpg)
Plaza de España in Mérida
![](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Basilica-de-Santa-Eulalia-390x200.jpg)
Basilica of Santa Eulalia in Mérida
![Museo Nacional de Arte Romano de Mérida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Museo-Nacional-de-Arte-Romano-de-Merida-390x200.jpg)
National Museum of Roman Art of Mérida
![Acueducto de San Lázaro en Mérida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Acueducto-de-San-Lazaro-en-Merida-390x200.jpg)
San Lázaro Aqueduct in Mérida
![](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Casa-del-Anfiteatro-de-Merida-390x200.jpg)
Merida Amphitheater House
![arco de trajano merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/arco-de-trajano-merida-390x200.jpg)
Trajan’s Arch of Mérida
![Xenodoquio Merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Xenodoquio-Merida-390x200.jpg)
Mérida’s Xenodoquium
![Puente Romano Albarregas Merida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Puente-Romano-Albarregas-Merida-390x200.jpg)
Roman Bridge over the Albarregas
![](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Circulo-Emeritense-Merida-390x200.jpg)
Círculo Emeritense in Mérida
![](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Casa-Consistorial-Merida-390x200.jpg)
Mérida City Hall
![Plaza de toros de Mérida](https://meridavisitas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Plaza-toros-Merida-390x200.jpg)
Bullring of Mérida