Ninfeo de Alfaro, Roman nymphaeum in Alfaro, La Rioja, Spain.
The Ninfeo de Alfaro is a Roman water structure located where the Alhama River meets the Ebro. The remains include arches, pillar bases, and substantial masonry sections made from large sandstone blocks that stretch along the riverbank.
This structure originated in the Roman settlement of Graccurris as part of a complex water management system. The Romans built bridge sections, road segments, and a dam here to control water flow and facilitate river crossing.
The name refers to the Roman veneration of water nymphs, a practice that was common throughout the empire. Visitors can see how this ancient belief shaped the way Romans built their public spaces and water systems in this region.
The site is freely accessible along the riverbank and can be explored on foot. Visitors should expect uneven ground and moisture, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
This was not simply a decorative structure but functioned as a practical water supply system for the Roman city. This combination of everyday function with religious meaning was typical of how Romans designed public works in provincial settlements.
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