Spain is famous for its sun-soaked beaches, Moorish architecture, and Gothic cathedrals, but its roots stretch even deeper. Beneath the surface (and sometimes right in plain view), you’ll find the remnants of a vast Roman legacy that dates back more than 2,000 years.
From remarkably preserved amphitheaters and aqueducts to hidden underground forums and entire city foundations, Roman ruins are scattered throughout Spain. In some places, these ancient structures blend seamlessly with modern life; in others, they stand as striking open-air museums.
These cities across Spain, where Roman history still shapes the landscape, are where travelers can walk in the footsteps of emperors, soldiers, and everyday citizens. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to experience a deeper side of Spain, these destinations offer a compelling mix of archaeology, culture, and unforgettable sights.
Mérida, Extremadura
Why it stands out: Spain’s most complete Roman city is full of monumental ruins and minimal crowds.
Mérida is often called the best place in Spain to experience Roman history as it is essentially the most complete Roman city in Spain. This city was once the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, and it still preserves some of the most impressive Roman structures in Europe.
The Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre are the main highlights of your Roman venture. You can walk through the same passageways ancient spectators used and see stage backdrops that still host performances today. The Temple of Diana, located nearby, also sits in the center of town and is easily accessible.
Another must-see is the massive Roman bridge that stretches across the Guadiana River. It’s still walkable and gives you a great view of the city’s layout. The Aqueduct of Los Milagros, partly standing in ruins across a park-like setting, is a quieter but equally striking site. Photographers, in particular, will love visiting this structure.
Merida is easy to navigate on foot and much less touristy than other Roman cities in Spain. It also serves as a good base for exploring more of the inland Extremadura region.
Tarragona, Catalonia
Why it stands out: A coastal city where Roman ruins sit right by the sea, making history feel less like a part of daily life.
Tarragona is one of the most important Roman cities in Spain. Here, you can still see the scale of its former glory just by walking around.
The Roman Amphitheatre is the star here as it’s built into a slope facing the Mediterranean, and the sea views behind the ruins are just as striking as the stone tiers themselves.
Another must-visit site is the Roman Circus, where chariot races were once held. You can access the parts of the ruins that are located underground through a museum that provides a real sense of scale. You can also follow the route of the ancient walls that once surrounded the city and visit the early Roman necropolis nearby.
Consider using an audio guide or opting for a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this place.
The old Roman sites are walkable from the main town and can be explored in half a day, making this a great mix of sightseeing and downtime. If you’re visiting Barcelona, Tarragona makes a great relaxed day trip or a quieter overnight stop.
Segovia, Castile and León
Why it stands out: One of the most dramatic Roman landmarks in Spain, right in the heart of a lively historic town.
Segovia’s Roman aqueduct is one of the best-preserved Roman engineering marvels in the world. Built without mortar, the aqueduct’s massive granite blocks still stand tall as they cut through the center of town with more than 160 arches.
It’s a stunning structure that you can walk under or photograph from above. But an even better way to admire it is by simply sitting beside it with a coffee and admiring it.
The old town of Segovia is built around this aqueduct, so you’re never far from a good angle. The nearby Plaza del Azoguejo is one of the best spots to take in the full height of the arches. You can also walk along a short trail to a viewpoint that offers a more elevated view of the entire stretch.
From a touristy perspective, the city is fairly easy to explore on foot. It is also filled with other historic sites, such as its fairytale Alcázar (inspiration for Cinderella) and the Gothic cathedral.
Córdoba, Andalusia
Why it stands out: A city best known for its Islamic architecture, but with visible Roman foundations if you look closer.
In Córdoba, it’s easy to combine visits to Roman, Islamic, and medieval sites in one day. Typically, Córdoba is famous for the Mezquita, but it also has deep Roman roots going back to when it was a major Roman settlement known as Corduba.
The most iconic Roman site in the area is the Roman Bridge, which spans the Guadalquivir River and serves as one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Crossing this bridge and thinking about how many people would have crossed over it in the last two thousand years will leave you in awe of the structure.
In the center of town, you’ll also find the Roman Temple of Córdoba, with its tall Corinthian columns rising right in the middle of a residential area. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but it’s worth a quick stop.
On the western edge of the city, near the gardens, are the lesser-known Mausoleum ruins, a unique spot that shows the city’s Roman burial architecture.
Zaragoza, Aragon
Why it stands out: A modern city built right on top of ancient Roman Caesaraugusta, with impressive ruins hidden in plain sight.
Zaragoza doesn’t usually make it to the top of Spanish travel lists, but that’s exactly what could make this city all the more exciting for Roman history fans. Beneath the surface of the city lies the ancient Roman colony of Caesaraugusta, and much of it has been preserved through well-curated underground museums.
Start with the Roman Theatre Museum, one of the best-presented archaeological sites in Spain. It provides a clear view of what the original theater would have looked like, featuring walkways and glass platforms over the excavated remains. Then, follow the Caesaraugusta Route, which connects the Forum, Baths, and River Port remains through interactive exhibits scattered around the old town.
What’s great about Zaragoza is that you can explore all these ruins without major crowds. Most of the Roman sites are within short walking distance from the central square and can be done at your own pace. Most of the information panels at the museum are in Spanish. It is best to read up about the place in advance or book a self-guided audio tour to understand the structures better.
Lugo, Galicia
Why it stands out: The only city in the world with fully intact Roman walls you can walk around.
Lugo’s Roman wall is not just standing, but it’s complete, walkable, and in constant use by locals and tourists alike. Built in the 3rd century, the wall encircles the old town and gives you a continuously elevated walkway with views over the city and the surrounding countryside.
Unlike many Spanish cities where Roman ruins sit in museums, Lugo integrates its Roman heritage into everyday life. Cafés and apartments sit next to its centuries-old towers. You’ll also find Roman baths beneath the Hotel Balneario and other small archaeological finds scattered across town.
Lugo isn’t touristy, which makes the experience of exploring the Roman ruins in the town even better as it gives it an authentic feel. It’s a great place to explore Roman engineering, especially if you’re already visiting Galicia or Santiago de Compostela.
Cádiz, Andalusia
Why it stands out: A layered coastal city where Roman ruins sit just below the surface of one of Europe’s oldest settlements.
Cádiz has been inhabited for over 3,000 years, and you can feel that history in the layers of its architecture and ruins.
The most striking Roman site is the Roman Theatre. This theatre was discovered relatively recently beneath the city’s modern buildings. It’s one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and gives a sense of how Roman Cádiz once looked and sounded.
Nearby, the Gadir Archaeological Site takes you even further back, into Phoenician roots, but also shows Roman-era layers.
Barcelona
Most people visit Barcelona for Gaudí and the beach, but the city also hides remnants of its Roman past. The old settlement of Barcino still lives on in the Temple of Augustus, whose towering columns are tucked inside the Gothic Quarter. You’ll also find segments of the old Roman wall built into later medieval structures around Plaça Ramon Berenguer.
León
León is better known for its cathedrals and role in the Camino de Santiago, but if you’re looking for Roman ruins in northern Spain, this city holds its own. You’ll find sections of Roman walls, underground crypts, and foundations beneath churches that are clearly marked and accessible.
Itálica (near Seville)
While not technically a city, Itálica deserves a special mention. Located just 30 minutes from Seville, this is one of Spain’s most complete Roman archaeological sites. It was the birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian and is best known for its massive amphitheater, elaborate mosaics, and wide Roman roads that lay out an entire Roman town.