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Even so, Rome left us an imposing and valuable world legacy of which there is no doubt. Among other things, Rome was the cradle of civil law; and the shrewdness of its engineering totally modernized the infrastructure of the Iberian Peninsula. Moreover, from ancient Roman Hispania still remain, as perennial treasures, the Roman sites of Spain.
The Roman sites in Spain preserve their ancient splendor and that makes them a source of historical and cultural interest; and also of great touristic benefit. So, join us on this beautiful virtual tour to learn more in detail about these archeological reserves.
Itálica, Seville
The sublime and ancient Itálica is located 7 kilometers from the beautiful Seville. In its moments of grandeur Itálica saw the birth of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Marcus Trajan was the first Roman Caesar born in Hispania and was considered one of the best emperors that Rome has ever had; thanks to his excellent ability as an administrator and soldier. Trajan took the Roman dominion in the Iberian area to its maximum extent.
For his part, the emperor Publius Hadrian, nephew and successor of Trajan, was more inclined towards the study of ancient art, the cultural differences that converged in the empire, philosophy and science. He filled the city with great constructions such as amphitheaters, bridges and castles. Today this Roman site in Spain preserves, among other treasures, the remains of an amphitheater where brave gladiators fought to the death to entertain nobles and commoners.
Segóbriga, La Mancha
In the province of Cuenca are the remains of what was considered a small Rome. This site is located in Segóbriga and is one of the most important in Spain; its growth as a city was promoted by Caesar Augustus. The site included thermal baths, theater, circus, gymnasium, forum and more. And if you walk around the site, you will see the remains of a majestic and ancient amphitheater that still retains some of its stands and stage in good condition.
You will also visit the mining area of lapis specularis, where the Romans extracted gypsum crystals. This Roman site in Spain is today an archeological park that is well worth a visit. You will be able to imagine the way of life that the inhabitants of this city had in the past.
Segovia, Castilla y León
The Romans built a multitude of water channels throughout the territory of present-day Spain. However, the aqueduct of Segovia is one of the most amazing works of architecture and engineering left by the Roman Empire. Its purpose was to direct the water from the Fuentefría spring to the center of the city. This Roman site in Spain was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.
Today, the ruins of this Roman site can still be visited and admired, as they survive as silent witnesses of a glorious past, in the style of the imposing Roman emperors.
Tarragona, Catalonia
This beautiful city was once known as Tarraco and was one of the most important in Roman Hispania. It had a theater, forum, aqueduct and a circus where the ancient chariot races were held. These Roman sporting competitions were very famous and dangerous; they involved men, chariots and horses. Gambling was common in these activities; the ruin of their riches for many and the joy of one or another.
Currently this Roman site in Spain is declared a World Heritage Site. And the main attraction of this historical monument are the ruins of its captivating amphitheater; with its impressive, inspiring and beautiful view of the sea. Tarragona is a dream place you have to visit, as it integrates the modern life of the 21st century with the ancient legacy left in Spain by the brave Romans.
Carmona, Seville
In this municipality is preserved one of the most important Roman necropolises in Spain. These are the Roman tombs used from the 1st century B.C. to the 4th century A.D., which continue to reveal the great mysteries of the Roman Empire. In this place, composed of different burial chambers, there are two very special tombs, known as the tomb of the elephant and the tomb of Seville. The ruins of an amphitheater and two quarries are also preserved.
Mérida, capital of Extremadura
The numerous and extensive battles that the Roman Empire experienced left thousands of soldiers in unfit conditions to fight. Faced with this cruel reality, many of them retreated to Emerita Augusta, the ancient Hispanic capital of Lusitania. Today, two thousand years after that warlike past, the great influence of the Roman Empire can still be perceived in present-day Merida.
Mérida was declared a World Heritage Site and in this Roman site in Spain, the Roman Theater of Mérida stands out. Nowadays, this monument continues to adorn the lives of locals and visitors, since the International Festival of Classical Theater is held here every year. An extremely important cultural event and another of the admirable legacies left for Spain and the world by the Holy Roman Empire.
Corunna, Spain
In Corunna is located the oldest Roman lighthouse that is in full operation; since this monument continues to provide assistance to the brave sailors. Known as the Tower of Hercules, this site stands imposingly on a hill of rocks that has a height of 57 meters called Punta Eiras. This well-preserved lighthouse is the third tallest in Spain and in 2009 was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Alcántara, Extremadura
The Roman bridge of Alcántara is an archeological monument that crosses the Tagus River with its 194 meters long and its imposing 58.2 meters high. It was built between 104 and 103 BC and has six arches and five pillars. This bridge was built in honor of the Roman emperor Trajan and at its entrance there is a poem that states “The bridge, destined to last forever in the centuries of the world, was made by Lacer, famous for his divine art”. Is it possible that this will come true? Only time will be able to give the proof of the promises given.
