The town in Castilla-La Mancha where the Roman Empire is still present

The Roman Empire's passage through the Iberian Peninsula remains of enormous significance even two millennia later, and in Spain, a multitude of vestiges can still be seen that attest to the imperial presence in many parts of the country. Some of these remains are in a poor state of preservation, but many others still retain some of the splendor they experienced decades ago.

One of the places where you can explore one of the best traces left by Roman civilization is the town of Saelices, located in the province of Cuenca and a relatively short distance from the city of Madrid. Although this town in Castilla-La Mancha dates back to the Middle Ages, it is actually the "medieval version" of the ancient Roman city of Segóbriga, a treasure that refuses to disappear.

The town of Saelices and the ancient city of Segóbriga

The town of Saelices does not even reach half a thousand inhabitants, but it can boast some architectural marvels within its small town centre, such as the Church of San Pedro, dating from the 16th century, or the Martínez Falero palace-house, but without a doubt the most striking feature of the Cuenca town is its Roman 'namesake', Segóbriga, which is one of the best-preserved cities from that period in Spain.

The Segóbriga Archaeological Park, like the town of Saelices itself, is located near the Cabeza de Griego hill. Although its history is also marked by the Celtiberians, it was with the arrival of the Romans that it became one of the main settlements in the region. Mining and agriculture were the city's main economic drivers, according to the Castilla-La Mancha tourism website, and its strategic location fueled its growth for decades.

Founded around the 2nd century BC, the city of Segóbriga boasted the main sites of a Roman city, including an incredible amphitheater that has survived (in part) over time, a theater, thermal baths, imposing walls that protected the town, a forum, and even an acropolis. Outside the city walls, you can also see the ruins of an ancient aqueduct, making it a must-see for history buffs.

This impressive archaeological park is located just an hour and a quarter by road from Madrid. To get there from the Spanish capital, simply take the A-3 , then continue along the A-40. Shortly after passing the town of Saelices, take the CM-310, which leads to the parking lot of this Roman treasure in Cuenca.