The first extensive example of Roman ruins is stored in … The Most Important Roman Cities of Spain. Merida is a small town and although the ruins were spread around, they were all within walking distance. Prepared to be amazed. Read more. Other hidden in the subterranean spaces are Museo del Puerto, a river dock, and Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta, an amphitheatre said to be the largest in Hispania. The ancient dam and water supply channels, or aqueducts, are clearly visible in the city. Ancient Rome left behind not just roads, aqueducts and schools, but epic proportions of quality architecture as a testament to the advanced technology of their incredible civilization. Museu d'Historia de Barcelona - MUHBA: Roman ruins under Barcelona - See 2,131 traveler reviews, 1,248 candid photos, and great deals for Barcelona, Spain, at Tripadvisor. 1. A Roman house in the Barrio del Forum Tours through each of these can be taken for a small entrance fee. The amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century AD and originally hosted gladiatorial battles and animal fights, which could be watched by some 15,000 spectators. At the top of this selection of Spain’s ancient ruins is the Catalan city of Tarragona, which in ancient times was the sumptuous Tarraco, one of the main Roman cities in Hispania and capital of the province of Tarraconensis.The relevance of this ancient Roman city, now declared a World Heritage Site, is evident in the number of buildings and monuments that it still has today. 8. It’s numerous Roman ruins bear witness to its glorious past. Valentia - Valencia. Built during the 1st century AD, the aqueduct is in such good condition today that it is still used to transport water, albeit in modern day pipes which run along the original water ducts. In 2020, I’m packing up my family and moving to beautiful Spain. Under the city lay another world, which had remained undiscovered for over 1500 years. Apart from this there as an amphitheatre which held bullfights and gladiator contests. At the entrance to the walled city is the Roman Bridge. Perhaps the most unique Roman ruins in Spain, Las Médulas are actually what remains of an old Roman gold mine in the mountainous northwest. While the Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, outside the Murallas city walls lies the church of basilica St Vicente,built in the 12 th century, where visitors are transported to a world where time stands still. It took around eight years to construct and it … In particular, the area around the La Seu Cathedral and along the edge of Via Laietana, where part of the city walls ran. While the village of Bolonia is itself famous for watersports, the ruins are also an important landmark of the place and a popular half-day trip for tourists. The Roman Circus was built in 1 AD to stage circus and chariot races. Visit this ancient Teatro Romano , Malaga The name Empuries, was derived from the Greek word ‘Emporion’ meaning market place, and gives the correct description of the trading city on the erstwhile delta of the river Fluvia. We’ll be sharing our best tips for life in Spain as well as general observations and real-life experiences. Tapas, wine bar, rooftop bar and restaurant. 5. Of the many ruins visible today, the triumphal arch, theatre, circus and aqueduct are particularly noteworthy. Roman Ruins of the Circus Maximus Almost next to the Colosseum, you’ll find the remains of the Circus Maximus. 10. Sadly little of this remains although what is left can be visited in Vega Baja, north of the city. Despite being located only 2 hours North of Seville, there were very few tourists about. An introduction to the Roman Ruins in Spain The Best Roman Sights of Spain 6 Best Roman Ruins in Spain In Spain, a mosaic of ruins forms a picture of life in a major outpost of the Roman Emp… The site´s important history rests on the former city having been a strategic point for trade routes between Europe and North Africa; the Straits of Gibraltar are just 14km wide at their narrowest point, and Baelo Claudia profited from this proximity. Merida’s Puente Romano is, as the name suggests, a … The Catalan city of Tarragona is the oldest Roman settlement in Spain and was at its height, the capital of Roman province of Hispania Citerior. Soria is a good jumping-off point for many Roman ruins in Spain. While the walls have remained intact all these years, so has the amphitheatre here, the second largest in the Roman Empire during that period. At the entrance to the walled city is the Roman Bridge. ROMAN RUINS IN SPAIN: VILLA ROMANA LA OLMEDA The Roman Villa of La Olmeda was discovered while doing some agricultural work at the beginning of the summer of 1968. I made this video for my Cultures of Southern Spain class in 2016 after we went to Spain. Some of the bigger tombs even have benches for banquets after the funeral. Discover the oldest Christian Church in Spain and then step back further in time to visualise a life of luxury featuring internal heating, marble columns and stunning mosaics at the fascinating Carranque Archaeological Park, less than an hour by road from Madrid. Starting from the Royal Palace, with its beautiful Baroque interiors, to the Basilica de San Francisco el Grande, there is much to explore for architecture enthusiasts. Toledo became a part of the Roman Empire in 192BC and gained instant prominence being a military settlement. Another testament to Roman engineering is the aqueduct,4 km from the city centre, which remained as a water supply source till the 18th century. Mercado de San Anton, Augusto Figueroa 24, Madrid. Hi, I’m Emma. The Spanish city of Córdoba has the remains of a Roman temple, which was discovered in the 1950s during the expansion of City Hall. Prior to being named Lucentum, Alicante in Greek times was known as Akra Leuka or 'white peak'. This is the only Roman city which had the privilege of being named after its founder, Caesar Augustus. - Acquista questa foto stock ed esplora foto simili in Adobe Stock Today it boasts a number of well-preserved sites such as the necropolis, Roman circus, an amphitheatre by the sea and the city fortifications. The 'Lucentum Archaeological Site' refers to the roots of ancient Alicante in which a typical Roman city prospered … Roman Ampitheatre. By Sam Pulman-Slater Baelo Claudia is one of Andalucia´s most significant and well-preserved Roman archeological sites. Barcelona's Roman sights are centered upon the Barrio Gòtico. Just 20 minutes outside of Sevilla lies the Itálica roman ruins, and as someone who is obsessed with both Game of Thrones and ancient Rome (I did live in Italy for a year before moving to Spain, and studied art history! Three buildings are open to visitors including the Palatial Building with its still standing 32 monolithic marble columns, the Mausoleum housing the remains of the owner and Villa of Maternus with its impressive mosaics. The Roman theatre was protected by a large polycarbonate roof. It was the meeting place of John, Daenerys and Cersei. Other Roman remnants include the Alcántara bridge built over the Tagus river in 104AD and the Roman fortifications which were later incorporated in to the Alcazar by the Moors. This is truly one of my favorite Roman ruins in Extremadura because of how well it has held up. Inside: The best Roman ruins in Spain for history buffs. Corduba - Cordoba. Cesaraugusta was surrounded by walls and as many as 120 towers. This unique 221 pillar structure of the Roman Empire has still managed to retain its shape and original character and is a prominent landmark of Segovia. However, the 300 odd years the Romans spent here were enough to leave more indelible marks on the city. Today one can see examples of both Greek and Roman construction art in Empuries, from the just 25% excavation which has been carried out till now. Today a walk around the arena will clearly identify the orchestra section and the white marble seats where the spectators sat. The Romans did quite a bit for the countries they ruled over, and as their Empire expanded, Spain became a leading example where some fascinating sites got tucked away in different corners of the country. Although inhabited since prehistoric times, the Romans founded the city of Emerita Augusta back in 25BC and went it on to be one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. The past of the Roman ruins at Lucentum has made Alicante what it is today. A large pool, belonging to the villa, ‘Carnicera de los Moros’ can also be seen here. Indeed, there are few sites where so many Roman mosaics can be seen as soon as they have been restored. Once you are through with the treatments, make sure you check out on the Roman Forum and the Atrium. A true way to learn how the Romans buried their dead in elaborate underground vaults. I saw more Roman Ruins in Spain, than I have even seen in Italy. If today Barcelona is best known for its Modernist and Gothic monuments, there is an important Roman legacy in the city which was then known as Barcino and was a lesser colony than that of the aforementioned Tarragona. The Roman town of Barcelona was founded by Emperor Augustus around 15-10 BC. Today, the Circus Maximus is a public park. This is depicted within the Mudra d’Historia de la Ciutat with its ancient streets, squares and stone chambers. Toletum - Toledo. This is a video of the Roman Theatre and Amphitheater and Temple of Diana. Some of Spain’s most important cities were founded by the Romans and there are a number of important archaeological sites and well-preserved Roman ruins open to the public. Spain was part of the Roman Empire from 218BC to 410AD. While the walls have remained intact all these years, so has the amphitheatre here, the second largest in the Roman Empire during that period. Dating back to the first century, these ruins,16 feet below the ground, showcased the everyday life of the Romans. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lugo represents one of the best examples of Roman architecture, like the Cathedral de Santa, originally built in the twelfth century in the perfect Gothic style. Despite the misleading title, one gets a glimpse of the excellent water management science of the Romans, preserved below the streets of Toledo. Being the birthplace of two wealthy Roman Emperors, Trajan and Hadrian( of the Wall fame), the influence of money is aptly reflected in the amazing and colorful mosaic work. Tarraco. A mysterious cave exists beneath the church known as La curva de Hercules. The three main sites are the Casa de la Fortuna, the amphitheater, and the forum. It is located in the angle … ... Also make sure to see the huge remains of the old aqueduct, and the Roman Circus, one of the largest ruins of the Roman era in the country, and which was a chariot racing track, so huge, the arena seated up to 30,000 people! Even a cursory visit to Antequera is bound to take you thousands of years back in time. Though a significant amount of notable Roman remains have been found in different regions, there are sites which are still being discovered through archaeological excavation even till today. Another dominating structure in the Roman forum was the Barcino Temple with its four grand columns, located in the Old Town. 6. Despite being known by few, this rural mansion of the Late Roman Empire (4th century AD) is one of the most important Roman ruins in Spain. The Theatre of Emerita Augusta is the most magical part of the city, where ancient traditions are still being followed. Historically speaking, Barcelona, or Barcino, has the most extensive underground Roman remains in the world. Outside the city walls, Lugo also has its own Roman baths. A stroll a bit further up, along the Guadiana river, a Roman bridge will come into view, the longest at half a mile existing anywhere in the world. The town of Bolonia lies in the Cadiz province of Southern Spain and is where the ruins of Baelo Claudia can be explored. This opulent villa contains some beautiful remnants to be found anywhere on the Iberian Peninsula. Italica as of late is one of The Game of Thrones locations in Spain where the show was filmed. A rare remnant, the only one of its kind in Spain of Visigothic architecture is Xendoquio, is found here. Today this is Astorga and it has ruins of the Roman baths. Having said that, the prized displays here are elaborate mosaics, unlike to be found anywhere else in Spain, especially those at the House of Planetarium. Ancient Roman ruins dot the city Outside of Rome, these are the most impressive that I have seen. Initially constructed in 1st century AD, the building was completely renovated three hundred years later, at which time some of the most stunning polychrome mosaics were added. This beautifully curated, three-floor museum has some of the best Roman mosaics in existence. The ancient city of Empuries was abandoned in the second half of the 3rd century as Girona, Barcelona and Tarragona grew in size and became more important. At the foot of the famous fortress, Alcazba, lies El Teatro Romano, the oldest surviving Roman ruin in the heart of Malaga. Situated in the southernmost part of Spain, some 20km from Tarifa, the town of Baelo Claudia was once an important Roman city and point of trade with Africa. For a moving experience, stroll along the intricate network of walls, columns and admire the priceless paintings and mosaics. The Roman ruins of Tarragona, or Tarraco as the Romans called it, were classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their outstanding universal value and the remarkable integrity of their structure. They fought the Iberians and defeated them at Alcalá del Rio, which is near today’s Seville. The major attractions here are the Roman theatre dating back to the first century and the excavated Roman baths. As you walk through this fascinating subterranean maize, maps of the city walls and remains of towers, a dyeing workshop and a fish salting factory can be seen along with many other artifacts. The theatre was built in the first century BC by Emperor Augustus and was in use for two hundred years, before it fell into neglect. Much of the Roman remains of Barcino can be found in the Museum of History of Barcelona (MUHBA) although there are also segments of the city walls visible, remnants of the columns of the Temple of Augustus and arches from a Roman aqueduct. To gain a full insight of the city’s glorious past, you just have to take notice of these prominent spots. Ilici - Elche. This captivating jewel lay buried till as late as 1983, and since then treasures are being unearthed thick and fast. We went on a super exciting field trip while in Spain to Italica, a little village created by the Romans when they occupied the Peninsula in 206 BC (according to Wikipedia). The nearby fortified palace of Alcazar, houses mosaics dating back to the 2nd century. Remains of walls and defence towers can be seen at many locations around Barcelona. If there is any place in Spain where you can pamper yourself in a thermal bath, exactly as the Romans used to do thousands of years ago, then just make a beeline for Cartagena. The Romans founded the city of Asturica, in 14 BC. This one was built 97 years before the Colosseum but is approximately 10 times smaller. Mérida The most important Roman site in Spain, Mérida in Extremadura was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1993 owing to its outstanding Roman archaeological ensemble. Located in the northwestern Spanish province of Galicia, Lugo is a city with both an important Celtic and Roman heritage. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The city of Merida (founded in 25 BC) boasts the most Roman ruins of any Spanish city, including an impressive theatre and amphitheatre which are still in use today for performances during summer theatre festivals. On this site the town of Itálica was founded and Spain fell under Roman occupation for the next 700 years. Of the remains still visible today, the Cordoba temple, the great mosque and Roman bridge are particularly well-preserved. Hispalis - Present day Seville. Located just two kilometres away from L’escala, the site can be easily approached by foot. After years of archaeological work, the remains of a Roman palace emerged. The main feature of the ruins is its stunning location, from where the harbor area, the fish salting baths and the Forum and Basilica are easily visible. This seaside town of Tarraco, 100 km south of Barcelona, was the capital of Hispania Tarraconensis and an important province of the Roman Empire. WHERE TO EAT. 9. The recently excavated Roman baths and some well preserved mosaics in the Roman villa have been discovered only in 1998, and are still being uncovered. The Roman ruins at Acinipo, near the village of Ronda, depict the remains of the strategically located settlement of Ronda La Vega. The Circus Maximus is perfect for a stroll around the ancient racetracks You can also enjoy the view of the … Barcelona was founded as a Roman colony called Barcino. The prosperity the town achieved under the Roman era is evident from the many treasures from that age such as the small statue made of bronze of a boy ‘Ephebus of Antequera’ dating back to the first century AD. It is situated on a low hill at the opposite end of the city. Having said that, do not forget to see the Estacion de Atocha, the main railway station of Madrid, dating back to 1851 when it was inaugurated. These tombs have been carefully hewn from rock and contain many funeral urns, a large number still intact. Our Spanish Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2172ef345927b1dcde0a78d5a2ca943" );document.getElementById("c5d599ae98").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After the arrival of the Romans, the city was renamed to Lucentum and later Alacant by the Arabs. Gades - Cadiz. The Greek/Roman ruins at Empuries were considered to be the gateway to the Iberian Peninsula for the classical cultures. Even today few venture out to this inhospitable and difficult to access area, but the hardy few who make it, are rewarded with Roman ruins galore. The eight imposing entry points of the city and the 88 watchtowers signify the strategic importance of Avila. The Romans have certainly left their mark on the city of Zaragoza, with parts of the Forum visible even today beneath the city centre. Located 9km north of Seville, are some of the best preserved Roman ruins to be found in Spain. The top of Acinipo provides stunning 360 degree panoramic views of the site and the surroundings. Roman circus, ruins roman legacy in ancient Tarraco, ancient stairway to sky, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain. The most important Roman site in Spain, Mérida in Extremadura was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1993 owing to its outstanding Roman archaeological ensemble. Other finds here include sculptures and marble torso’s of Emperor Augustus. Cartago Nova - Cartagena. 2. Although the best example of preserved Roman ruins in Spain are the Aqueducts in Segovia, a sleepy town of under 55,000 residents, there is something captivating about witnessing ruins in the heart of a modern, bustling city. (You may also want to take a look at the Roman ruins in Cartagena.) Formerly named as Antikaria, by the Romans, the typical Andalucia town of Antequera is located in the Malaga province of Spain. Like the Colosseum in Rome, the Roman Amphitheatre witnessed its share of gladiators, blood spill, and excitement. The town prospered thanks to its salted fish trade but was severely damaged by an earthquake in the 2nd century. While there is no doubt that there are stunning Roman ruins to be discovered all over Spain, the lovely capital of Madrid leads the group with its well preserved monuments and historical sites, imploring enthusiasts to make a visit. The full Roman name of Barcino in the Latin language spoken by the Romans, was Iulia Augusta Faventia Paterna Barcino. Here are some of the most impressive Roman ruins you can visit in Spain today. The Archaeological Museum, The Provincial Forum, Paleochristian Museum, Tarragona Cathedral, Casa Castellaranau are some of the other ancient ruins here. If you’re in the neighborhood to visit the Roman ruins of Ocuri or any of the other famous landmarks in this region of Spain, you might pop by anyways to see these Salinas de Iptuci. Other popular sites tend to include Empuries, Lugo Roman Walls and Cordoba Roman Bridge. Related: In Spain, a mosaic of ruins forms a picture of life in a major outpost of the Roman Empire. Even though the city was burnt to the ground by the Romans, there is enough evidence of items salvaged from the ground which will fill with joy the hearts of people seeking Roman remnants. Lying hidden until 1908, Ruins of Empuries on Spain’s Costa Brava represents nearly 2,500 years of Mediterranean history. 7. The aqueduct of Segovia is widely considered the most well-preserved of its kind in Spain and reaches some 29 meters in height. Once the capital of Spain, Toledo was not a major Roman city but did nonetheless boast the largest Roman circus in Hispania at the time of its construction. For numerous historians, a visit to the ruins of Empuries is an annual ritual not to be missed. Nonetheless, today the remains on display here are some of the most complete and well-preserved in Spain, including the ancient gates to the city, a theatre, thermal baths, a market and paved forum. The ruins of Itálica, birthplace of the Roman emperors Hadrian and Trajan, are today the most well-preserved and include a number of noble houses with splendid mosaics, an immense amphitheatre and the Traianeum, a temple dedicated to the emperor Trajan. Galicia is a region in northwestern Spain known for its coastline, tasty white wines and remarkable living history…but it is also home to some of Spain’s best historical wonders. Although one of the most impressive sites is the Les Ferreres Aqueduct located some 4km north of the city. ), I couldn’t recommend this day trip more! The Romans first came to Spain in 206 BC when they invaded the Iberian Peninsula from the south. There's a host of top Roman ruins, landmarks and monuments in Spain to visit and among the very best are Baelo Claudia, Segovia Aqueduct and the Merida Roman Theatre. Carved in a hillside, this used to be a regular venue for public executions and gladiator contests. Malaca - Malaga. The sights of Toledo are never ending with the ruins of a Roman circus and the Puerta de Bisagra Nueva city gate. Roman ruins seem to materialize out of nowhere in Merida, the one time capital of the province of Lusitania. Spain formed an important part of the Roman Empire for nearly 600 years, till taken over by the Visigoths in the fifth century. Related: 6 Cheap or Free Things to Do in Cordoba, Spain. If you are interested in Roman history and architecture, a two-day visit to Merida will convince you that Merida has the best Roman ruins in Spain. Modern day Seville lays on the edge of two important Roman settlements, the Hispano-Roman city of Hispalis and the Roman colony Itálica, located some 9km north of the city. There are some 71 towers along the way of this third century UNESCO World Heritage Site, which provides excellent views of the city. Most of these are exhibited at the Cartagena Roman Museum. The ruins are well preserved and one can easily make out the erect walls and seating area of the 2000+ capacity theatre as well as the layout of the warm and cold rooms at the baths. In fact, many Roman temples were converted into mosques and later into churches during the Spanish Reconquista. Be sure to include the Museo Nacional de Arte Romano (National Museum of Roman Art). The most visible remnant of the Roman presence is the impressive fortified wall which guards the city and makes Lugo the only European city to still be entirely surrounded by a Roman wall. Totalling fifteen kilometres in length, the 1st century aqueduct of Segovia, supplied water to the city from Frio River as late as the twentieth century. Then there are the six elegant arches of the 2000 old Lugo Roman bridge which makes for a good photo shoot. Using an ingenious water pressure-based method to blast away whole mountainsides, Roman engineers managed to extract 1.6 million kg of gold ore over 250 years, leaving stark orange cliffsides behind. Emerita Augusta - Merida. If ever there was a city to showcase the epitome of Spain of the old, then the many churches, convents and high walled palaces of Avila justified the same. Like Cáceres and Trujillo, Mérida is full of history and ancient architecture—it has more Roman monuments than any other city in Spain.I was surprised to learn this, as I had no idea that only 2 hours from Seville (my former city) and 3.5 hours from Madrid I could see such incredibly well preserved Roman ruins— rivaling the ruins in Rome in their magnificence. This city of World Heritage importance in the province of Andalusia, Cordoba, has some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Spain. The Romans constructed many temples in Cordoba, evidence of which is found in the many still standing columns in the city square. Related post: Malaga Pass: A Budget-Friendly Way to See the Best of Malaga. Many walls are adorned with carved family emblems. 3. Important archaeological remains from where the Garum fish sauce factories operated can be seen in the basement of the Picasso museum. Miles away from civilization, right in the middle of nowhere, the desert city of Emerita Augusta, actually served as an old age home for the retired soldiers of the Roman army, allowing them to spend their golden years in relative comfort. 4. The tiny city of Lugo, located about 100 km east of Santiago de Compostela, is filled to the brim with historic artifacts. The Roman invasion of what was then known as ‘Hispania’ lasted some 700 years and the legacy of their time in Spain is still very much visible today. Another feature of lavish spending was the construction of an amphitheatre to seat 25,000 spectators whereas the population of the town was just 8,000. This city of World Heritage importance in the province of Andalusia, Cordoba, has some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Spain. 6 Cheap or Free Things to Do in Cordoba, Spain, Malaga Pass: A Budget-Friendly Way to See the Best of Malaga, In Spain, a mosaic of ruins forms a picture of life in a major outpost of the Roman Empire, 10 Must-Visit Beaches in Spain to Discover Next, 11 Baby Travel Tips Every Parent Needs to Know, 11 Clever Travel Hacks to Save Money and Time, 9 Creative Ways to Save Money on Airbnb (+ Airbnb Coupon), How We Keep the Spain Dream Alive from Afar. Merida has more Roman ruins than any other place on Spain and they are incredibly well preserved. The best Roman Ruins in Spain are located 10 minutes from Sevilla Click To Tweet. Located in the province of Andalusia, Córdoba became a Roman colony around the year 169 and later went on to be an important city for the Byzantines, Visigoths and later the Moors. The Iptuci Salt pans, located 5 km/ 3 miles outside of El Bosque, one of the small white villages in the Cadiz Mountains, are a working salt farm. Roman Ruins of the Italica Colosseum featured in the last episode of season 6 of Game of Thrones. Perhaps the most famous of all the Roman ruins in the world, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built. The remain… Two iconic landmarks can be found in the most unlikely of all places-one behind the information center (The Temple of Diana) and the other rising up above the railroad tracks(Los Milagros Aqueduct). Among the ruins is a temple dedicated to Jupiter and a statue of Aesculapius, which can be found amidst the altars. Another important site in Andalusia, this remarkable archaeological region dating back to 1C AD, houses over 300 tombs and cremation ovens. The vast temple of Diana is the crown jewel of the city centre. A visit here features Roman Spain’s most significant treasure, the large Necropolis discovered only at the end of the nineteenth century. Barcino - Roman town of Barcelona Map of Barcelona Roman walls and ruins. The extensive ruins are situated on the Costa de la Luz, some 15km north of Tarifa, by the small town of Boloniaand its beautiful beach. There are as many as thirteen UNESCO listed Roman remains, with the most popular being the Amphitheatre. Other important remains are the Alcazar, noble houses dating back to the 15th century, several Romanesque churches, a beautiful 16th century Gothic cathedral and the Segovia Mint, the oldest building of industrial importance still standing in Spain. © 2020 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. The patio at the St Victoria School is another example of how the nobility lived. When excavated, the genius of the Romans was evident in the layout and creativity. Macabre lovers will get a thrill after checking out on the Los Columbarios funeral site, which showcases all information about Roman funeral rituals. Roman engineering feats are clearly visible in the two well-restored ruins of the Roman theatre and the aqueduct, which served as a source of water supply to the city. To view a complete copy of our privacy policy, please click here. La Olmeda may not enjoy the same popularity as the ruins of Merida or Tarragona, but the site has gained international acclaim as one of the twelve best discoveries of modern archaeology. Here are some of the most impressive Roman ruins you can visit in Spain today. The basilica and the amphitheatre will portray what life was like in those times. Head over to ground level to explore the Domus Oceani, an original Roman mosaic featuring motifs showcasing the place in its heyday. 4. Below are the best Roman ruins in Galicia, Spain. Hardly 117 km from Madrid, Avila has managed to remain a best preserved bastion of Romanesque and Gothic churches in Spain. Fortunately, much of what they built still remains intact today, so read on to know which twenty one sites to visit in Spain, to get your full dose of Roman heritage. This important archaeological site of the Roman Empire was discovered by one Javier Cortes on his own private land, near the banks of river Carrion, in 1968 and handed over to the government after 12 years in 1980. For more information about Galicia, check out our article about the Top Reasons to Visit Galicia, Spain. I can’t remember where I heard it, but I think on some movie or TV show some guy was ranting and said the greatest Roman ruins are in Spain because in Italy they destroyed everything and rebuilt.