The Basilica of Santa Eulalia in Mérida

The Basilica of Santa Eulalia in Mérida is a religious building that serves as an important core for the birth of Christianity in the Iberian Peninsula. It was established as a martyrium in memory of Eulalia of Mérida, the first Christian temple built in Hispania following the Peace of Emperor Constantine. During the early Middle Ages, it became a site for pilgrimages from Western Europe and North Africa, and news of its titular's martyrdom spread throughout the Roman Empire.

The history of this temple is deeply linked to the local Church and its relationship with the Popes. Rebuilt in the 13th century by the Order of Santiago on the remains of the original structure, it served as a chapter church until the late 19th century. Today, it is a protected monument and was declared a World Heritage site in 1993 as part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida.

Built outside the ancient city walls, the current building dates originally to the 4th century on the funerary mound of Santa Eulalia. While it was enriched by local bishops and archbishops, it bore the marks of the Arab invasion. The current structure was raised in the 13th century by Alfonso IX, reusing some materials. It is the only fully medieval construction in the capital of Extremadura, featuring Romanesque elements, Gothic influences, and internal vaults with original capitals and columns from a Visigoth temple.

Excavations since 1990 have revealed a significant underground crypt containing Roman and Visigoth remains, including a late Roman funerary mound. The site also contains the famous "Hornito," a votive chapel built so pilgrims could pray at any hour. This chapel incorporates remains of a Roman temple dedicated to the god Mars, featuring a dedication to Vettilla, wife of Páculo. The basilica features a basilical plan with three naves and a southern portal of Romanesque style, reflecting a long history of adaptation and preservation.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons