Roman Walls of Lugo

The Roman Walls of Lugo form a continuous late antique fortification system in northwestern Spain. The construction follows a rectangular plan with rounded corners and features towers at regular intervals built from large granite blocks and slate panels.

Emperor Diocletian ordered the construction of these defenses in the late third century AD to protect the Roman settlement against Germanic tribes. The fortifications remained in military use throughout the medieval period and shaped the development of the town into modern times.

These fortifications remain the only fully intact Roman defensive system still encircling a historic town center. Visitors walk the same patrol route that Roman soldiers used more than 1,700 years ago along the entire circuit.

The rampart walk connects to street level through several stairways placed around the perimeter. A complete circuit takes roughly one hour at a comfortable pace, though individual sections can be explored separately depending on your interest.

The fortification uses a double-shell wall technique with a fill of earth, gravel and mortar between the outer and inner faces. This construction method gave the structure exceptional stability that has allowed its preservation until today.

Location: Lugo

Height: 12 m

Part of: Lucus Augusti

GPS coordinates: 43.01419,-7.55989

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:37