Valeria

The ruins of the Roman city of Valeria perch on a dramatic spur between two river gorges. This forgotten archaeological site was one of the most important Roman cities in central Spain, with visible streets, forums, and aqueducts.

With minimal tourist infrastructure and no major signage, the Roman ruins of Valeria receive a tiny fraction of the visitors that go to Segovia or Mérida.

History

The Roman city of Valeria, perched dramatically on a promontory overlooking the Gritos River gorge, began as a Celtiberian settlement before becoming a thriving Roman Municipium in the 1st century BC. Its strategic location on a natural defense afforded it control over important routes and access to resources. The city flourished during the Imperial period, boasting a forum, a nymphaeum fed by an aqueduct, and several public buildings, whose remains are still visible today.

The decline of Valeria began with the crisis of the 3rd century and the subsequent barbarian invasions. Although it continued to exist into the Visigothic period, its importance waned. The impressive ruins, including the well-preserved portico of the forum and the foundations of other structures, provide a vivid testament to Roman urban planning and engineering. The unique 'Las Caras' rock carvings nearby also hint at a deeper, pre-Roman spiritual significance of the area.

Highlights

• Roman city ruins on a dramatic promontory
• Roman forum, streets, and nymphaeum visible
• Dual river gorge setting
• One of the least-visited Roman sites in Spain

How to get there

From Cuenca, take CM-220 direction Motilla del Palancar. After about 30 km, take a detour to the left onto a local road that leads directly to the archaeological site of Valeria (approximately 38 km, 35 minutes).

Explore nearby: Castilla-La Mancha guide · Cuenca province · Castles of Cuenca