Aquis Querquennis, Ourense, Spain

Aquis Querquennis is the ruins of a Roman military camp sit along a flooded section of a river. The construction of the barracks dates back to the reign of Vespasian, around the year 75, when it was likely used as a base from which to defend newly built roads connecting other, larger roads in this remote province.

The walls, arches and moat that form the foundations of this former Roman military camp can sometimes be found half submerged in the reservoir, depending on the amount of rain upriver and the status of the dam.

References:

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User Reviews

João Francisco Ferreira de Almeida (5 years ago)
If you are interested in Roman culture you will enjoy this place.

Paulo Casaca (5 years ago)
The ruins are in between a beautiful oak tree forest and the lake made by a dam onriver Lima

Justin Stevens (5 years ago)
It is very regrettable that a dam was built nearby, causing frequent submersion of this archeological site. Nonetheless it is a testament to history, both past and present, a gem of this region of Spain.

Filipa Morgado (5 years ago)
Amazing and relaxing place! (Still in progress)

Ryan Dickerson (6 years ago)
Excellent place for a day trip or overnight campervan stop. Hot pools from warm to hot, suitable for everyone. Access is a bit tough but wheelchairs can access the site. No toilets or changing facilities. Parking good but a bit chaotic when busy. Access road is steep and quite narrow. Lovely walls around the lake to Roman ruins and visitor centre.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

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