Wall of Astorga, Roman defensive wall in Astorga, Spain
The Wall of Astorga is a stone fortification that encircles the medieval old town, featuring multiple access gates and watchtowers positioned along its perimeter. The structure follows an roughly oval shape and provides views across the city and surrounding countryside from different vantage points.
The fortification originated during the Roman period when the city served as Asturica Augusta, an important administrative hub. Over centuries, sections were rebuilt and reinforced during medieval times, resulting in visible construction phases from different eras.
The wall marks a significant stopping point on the Way of Saint James, where pilgrims on foot pass through during their journey to Santiago de Compostela. It represents for travelers a living connection to the history of religious routes that shaped this region.
You can explore the preserved sections of the wall on foot, though different parts may have varying accessibility conditions. Information panels at several locations explain the structure and help you understand the different construction phases.
The wall displays a striking blend of Roman stones and medieval reinforcements that become visible as you walk past the older sections. This layering of construction techniques from two major periods tells the story of the city's different ages in one place.
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