La Tejada Roman Villa

La Tejada is a Roman villa in Cervatos de la Cueza comprising roughly thirteen rooms arranged along a north-south axis. The walls combine limestone masonry with alternating layers of brick, showing construction methods typical of the period.

The property was discovered in 1970 by a local resident named Esteban Gonzalo Argüello and excavated systematically until 1981. These digs revealed multiple Roman-era structures and artworks that illustrate how a wealthy family lived during antiquity.

The mosaics show mythological scenes like Leda and the Swan, Neptune, and the Seasons, reflecting what the Roman inhabitants valued and enjoyed in their home. These artworks reveal the stories and symbols that wealthy families wanted to display in their living spaces.

A modern visitor center built in 2015 offers guided tours and information materials in Spanish and English. You should check tour times in advance and be prepared for dimly lit underground areas if you want to explore the heating systems.

The property features a remarkable underground heating system with multiple hypocaust structures connected through tunnel passages. This engineering feat shows how wealthy Romans kept their homes warm in colder regions.