Parque Arqueológico de Recópolis
Recópolis Archaeological Park is an excavation site of a Visigothic city from the 6th century on the Tagus plain in Zorita de los Canes. The ruins reveal a planned city with walls, towers, gates, a main street with commercial spaces, a palace, and a church positioned at the highest point.
King Leovigildo founded Recópolis in 578 as a planned administrative city on empty land to strengthen his realm. When Muslim groups arrived in the 8th century, they maintained most structures, while Mozarabs in the 11th century built a new church over the ruins before the area was eventually abandoned.
The name Recópolis honors the son of King Leovigildo and reflects the importance of family and power in Visigothic society. Visitors can see today the remains of the palace church and administrative buildings that formed the center of religious and political life.
The park sits on a hilltop with good views of the surrounding area and can be explored on foot or through guided tours lasting about 2 hours. A visitor center with exhibits, cinema, shop, and rest area aids understanding of the site's history, while digital tools and augmented reality experiences enrich the visit.
The site was a planned city from the start with no prior settlement, making it rare among Visigothic foundations. This uncommon original design allows visitors to read the founders' vision and organizational skill directly in the layout on the ground.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
