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Museum · Astorga, Castela e Leão
Museo Romano de Astorga
Museum of the ancient Asturica Augusta in the ergástula, a Roman gallery with a vault, starting point of the Roman route that goes past baths, sewers and mosaics in the centre.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museo Romano de Astorga
Astorga began as a camp of the Legião X Gêmea during Augustus' wars against the peoples of the north of the Peninsula, and became the city of Asturica Augusta, an important centre of Roman Hispania linked to the region's gold mining. Decades of excavations in the historic centre have revealed remains of the Roman city beneath the current streets.
The Museu Romano occupies the so-called ergástula, a long Roman gallery with a stone vault that for a long time was considered a slave prison (hence the name), and is now interpreted as part of a public building linked to the forum. The museum was built above it and displays ceramics, coins, inscriptions, everyday objects, sculptures and a model of the Roman city.
From the museum departs the Roman route, a guided walk through the remains preserved in the centre: baths, sewers, houses with mosaics, such as the domus of the Mosaico do Urso e os Pássaros, and stretches of the wall. The route is done on foot, with a guide, at scheduled times.
At the end of August, the Astúricos e Romanos festivals recreate the battles and daily life of the time with costumes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes for the museum; about 1h30 for the guided Roman route.
Best time
In the morning, to combine the museum with the Roman route. Check opening times and days before you go.
How to get there
It is located on the praça de San Bartolomé, in the old town, about a 5-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor and 10 minutes from the cathedral.
Tip
Take the guided Roman route: several remains are in cellars and enclosed spaces that only open for the visit.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo Romano de Astorga
What is the ergástula of Astorga?
It's a Roman gallery with a stone vault, once thought to be a slave prison and today seen as part of a public building linked to the forum. It houses the Museu Romano.
What is the Roman route of Astorga?
A guided route through the Roman remains preserved in the center, such as baths, sewers, houses with mosaics and sections of the wall, starting from the museum.
When are the Astúricos and Romanos festivals?
At the end of August, with reenactments and costumes that recreate the Roman era. Check the dates each year.