The Crypt

The archaeological excavations needed before the Museum could be built uncovered interesting movable and immovable artefacts related to different aspects of the city. These artefacts are integrated into the tour of the Museum in an additional room. Through these pieces, the archaeological context of Roman Mérida can be understood and appreciated in a new way by directly showing how the objects exhibited in the remaining rooms were found.

After leaving the exhibition area, the visitor may wish to go down the ramp to the right. Through it are the remains of a section of the 'San Lázaro' aqueduct that ran from the reservoir located next to the 'Amphitheatre House” to the city centre, at that time occupied by the colonial forum. Continuing on, you will come to the archaeological area through a door on the left. The patio behind the door includes a section of the Roman road that began at a gate in the city wall and linked up with the road to Corduba (today's Córdoba) by way of the eastern necropolis.

Once you cross the road, the “Crypt” lies at the bottom of the stairs. Under the arches of the Moneo building, this imposing enclosure shelters the archaeological remains corresponding to a peculiar neighbourhood outside the walls, where a perfect symbiosis of houses and cemetery can be admired. Especially interesting are the remains of certain living areas to the left, which feature pictorial decoration from two superimposed periods. To the right, some rooms next to the original road are presided over by a large residence whose entrance was a triple arcade with columns.