The best preserved Roman wall in the world is in Spain, and it protected the "sacred grove of Augustus"

The Roman Empire was present in the Iberian Peninsula for seven centuries. A consequence of those seven hundred years is that we now find scattered throughout Spain a large number of remains of Roman walls that, in their day, were truly imposing structures. Although then it was called Hispania. However, we are lucky to have one in particular that is considered the best preserved Roman wall in the world.

In the Roman Empire, the walls were defensive systems that provided security to the inhabitants of the settlements but, at the same time, they were also a symbol of their strength and power. We can take Lugo as an example, then Lucus Augustiwhich was a Roman city of great importance in our country and whose wall can currently boast of being the best preserved in the world.

Founded in the year 13 AD, the gold mines in the area were a very important source of the imperial economy, becoming Lucu Augusti an important provincial city. However, legend says that the Romans built the wall of Lugo, not to protect the city but the “Sacred Forest of Augustus.”

To this day, that forest is a mystery, but the wall that surrounds the city of Lugo not only still stands but is the only one in the world that is preserved entirely. For that reason and for its enigmatic beauty, it is a World Heritage Site.

Built in the 3rd century AD, following the guidelines of the famous architect Vitruvius, the wall of Lugo measures more than 2 km and has 10 gates. Of its 85 original towers, 71 are still preserved and, in some sections, the wall reaches 7 meters wide.

The use of local materials, such as slate or granite stones and other reused materials, gives it an original character, added to the fact that, once its defensive function was lost, it has been completely integrated into the urban landscape of Lugo.

Even so, walking around this wall, both at ground level and from above, it is possible to still feel the power of Imperial Rome in the 21st century. In addition, from the top, it also offers impressive views.

Cover photo | José Luis Cernadas Iglesias