Cara, Roman archaeological site in Navarre (Spain)
Cara is a Roman town in Santacara, Navarra, with remains visible in a park setting on a terrace above the Aragón River. Excavations from 1974 to 1982 revealed paved streets, house foundations, mosaics, pottery, and sculptures that demonstrate it was a substantial and prosperous settlement.
The town was founded in the 1st century BC during the Sertorius campaigns, though earlier settlements from the Iron Age existed at the site. It reached its greatest size during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and was abandoned by the 4th century as its importance faded.
The settlement was known as Kara or Carta in ancient sources and served as a stopping point for travelers passing through the region. Today, the ruins help locals and visitors connect with the Roman heritage that shaped this corner of Navarra.
The site is free to visit and accessible at any time, with clearly marked paths through the park area. A small parking area and visitor facilities nearby provide practical support for a visit, and the ruins can be easily explored on foot.
Coins from various Roman emperors such as Tiberius, Claudius, and Hadrian were found during excavations, showing the town remained active for many centuries. Seashells were also discovered in the area, suggesting goods traveled along extended trade routes to reach this inland location.
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