Tiermes

Tiermes is a Roman archaeological site near Montejo de Tiermes in Spain with numerous structures carved directly into sandstone rock. The remains show houses, streets, thermal baths, and defensive walls that reveal both the daily life and security concerns of the ancient inhabitants.

The settlement began as a fortified hilltop position and became an important stronghold during Roman expansion in the region. Its conquest in 98 BCE by Consul Titus Didius forced the population to relocate and marked the end of its role as an active settlement.

The small chapel within the ruins displays stone capitals and corbels carved with religious motifs that reveal how the place was used differently in later times. Visitors can observe these details while walking through the site and understand how people gave the location new meaning across centuries.

The site is best explored during daylight as the rock-carved structures are difficult to see otherwise and pathways can be uneven. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and allow time to study the carved-out spaces carefully, since there are no marked trails or directional signs.

Beneath the houses are artificial chambers and passages carved directly into the stone that reveal the skill of the ancient inhabitants. These underground rooms likely served for water storage and supplies, explaining why residents chose this elevated location for daily life.