  We present the results of a high angular resolution study of the BL Lac
object Markarian 501 in the radio band. We consider data taken at 14 different
epochs, ranging between 1.6 GHz and 22 GHz in frequency, and including new
Space VLBI observations obtained on 2001 March 5 and 6 at 1.6 and 5 GHz. We
study the kinematics of the parsec-scale jet and estimate its bulk velocity and
orientation with respect to the line of sight. Limb brightened structure in the
jet is clearly visible in our data and we discuss its possible origin in terms
of velocity gradients in the jet. Quasi-simultaneous multi-wavelength
observations allow us to map the spectral index distribution and to compare it
to the jet morphology. Finally, we estimate the physical parameters of the
parsec-scale jet.
