Explore Spain’s hidden Roman cities: ancient ruins revealed

Spain’s ancient Roman cities and ruins are some of the most evocative in Europe. It’s hard to overstate the influence of the Romans on the Iberian Peninsula. For centuries, they ruled the land, building vast cities with astonishing feats of engineering, and leaving behind a legacy that still defines many parts of Spain today. From the amphitheatres of Mérida to the aqueducts in Segovia, the Roman ruins of Spain are a testament to their ingenuity and vision. Wandering through these ancient sites, it’s easy to imagine the bustling life of Roman Spain, with its markets, temples, and theatres. The Roman city of Mérida, known as Emerita Augusta, was once the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. Today, it is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Spain, boasting a stunning collection of ruins, including a theatre, amphitheatre, and a bridge that still spans the Guadiana River. The theatre is the crown jewel of the city, with its grand stage and intricate stone carvings. Visitors can sit in the seats where Roman citizens once watched performances and imagine the life of the city at its height. Mérida’s amphitheatre, used for gladiatorial contests and other spectacles, is another highlight. Walking through its arches and corridors, you can almost hear the roar of the crowd. In Segovia, the Roman aqueduct is an engineering marvel that has stood the test of time. Built in the 1st century AD, the aqueduct stretches for more than 15 kilometres and is one of the most impressive examples of Roman engineering in the world. The aqueduct’s arches, made of precisely cut granite blocks, rise majestically over the city, and its sheer size and beauty are breathtaking. It’s easy to see why the aqueduct has become a symbol of Segovia and a must-see for visitors to the city. Tarragona, or Tarraco as the Romans called it, was one of the most important cities in Roman Spain. The city boasts a remarkable collection of Roman ruins, including a forum, a circus, and an amphitheatre by the sea. The circus, where chariot races were held, is one of the best-preserved in the world, and visitors can walk along its track and imagine the thundering hooves of horses racing by. The amphitheatre, with its stunning views of the Mediterranean, is another highlight, and its location makes it one of the most picturesque Roman sites in Spain. The Roman city of Itálica, located near Seville, was the birthplace of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Today, the site is an open-air museum, with well-preserved streets, houses, and public buildings. The amphitheatre, once one of the largest in the Roman Empire, is a standout, with its massive arena and underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals were kept. Walking through Itálica, visitors can get a sense of what life was like in a Roman city, from the grand villas with their mosaics to the public baths where citizens gathered to relax and socialise. In the north of Spain, the Roman city of León is another gem. Founded as a military camp in the 1st century BC, León grew into a thriving city with a forum, temple, and baths. The city’s Roman walls, which still encircle the old town, are among the best-preserved in Spain. Walking along the walls, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city and imagine the bustling life of Roman León. The ruins of the baths, with their intricate heating systems, are another highlight, and a visit to the Roman museum is a must for anyone interested in the history of the city. The Roman ruins of Spain are not just confined to the mainland. On the Balearic island of Mallorca, the ancient city of Pollentia is a fascinating site, with its ruins of a forum, theatre, and houses. The theatre, carved into the hillside, is a beautiful spot to explore, and the views from the top are stunning. In the Canary Islands, the Roman ruins of Gáldar on Gran Canaria are another highlight, with their well-preserved mosaics and remains of a Roman villa. These sites are a reminder that the Roman Empire reached far beyond the borders of mainland Spain, and their legacy is still felt across the country. For anyone interested in history, a visit to the Roman ruins of Spain is a journey back in time. From the grand cities of Mérida and Tarragona to the smaller sites scattered across the country, these ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the life of the Roman Empire and its enduring influence on Spain. Whether it’s the engineering marvels of the aqueducts or the stunning mosaics of a Roman villa, the ruins of Spain are a testament to the skill and vision of the Romans.