Augustobriga

Bohonal de Ibor, Spain

Bohonal, in the north-east of the province of Cáceres, is home to the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Augustóbriga, buried below the town of Talavera la Vieja. The area was flooded by water when the Valdecañas reservoir was built in 1960.

The ruins of Augustóbriga include the temple and other historical references of what the city was like thanks to documents from Cornide and Hermosilla in the 18th century and, later, Mélida.

We know that walls protected and surrounded the city in Roman times. The centre was where the forum was located, surrounded by administrative and religious buildings. 

The most prominent of the ruins are those of the temple known as ‘Los Mármoles’, dating from the 2nd century, which was dismantled stone by stone in order to rebuild it on an inlet above the maximum level of the reservoir water, 6.5 kilometres from the ancient settlement. Four front and two side columns form its portico or main façade on which the architrave, and, above it, there is a small rounded arch. The building is made of granite.

Together with the temple, there were also three column fragments from the so-called Temple of La Cilla.

The city had an aqueduct that was one metre tall, as well as a system of underground channels that distributed water from a reservoir. There are also remains of thermal baths and roads, the latter of which can be found near Alija Castle.

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Bohonal de Ibor, Spain
See all sites in Bohonal de Ibor

Details

Founded: 2nd century AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Spain

More Information

www.turismocaceres.org

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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Daniel Fg (6 months ago)
Relatively unknown but well preserved ruins of a former Roman temple. On weekdays, you are likely to have the place to yourself. The natural backdrop, with the snow-capped Sierra de Gredos mountains in the distance, is also spectacular. Totally worth a stop when exploring the Villuercas-Ibores region of Extremadura. Admission is free.
Michelle Martínez (14 months ago)
It was amazing to find this gem near a reservoir! It is so tall and extremely well preserved. There are tables where you can have a picnic and lots of parking. If you walk down a bit beyond the taller structure, you'll find some additional columns below. Loads of trees for shade too.
Robert Lo Bue (16 months ago)
Stunning
Federico Sanchez (3 years ago)
Wonderful Roman Temple from the old town Augustobriga (lately Talavera la Vieja) that was flooded by the Embalse de Valdecañas. When the dam was built in 1962, the temple was removed and rebuilt next to the bridge where it currently lies. The temple is around 12m high and is quite impressive with the Gredos Mountains behind and the big lake at its feet. More than recommendable!! You can then have lunch in Los Arcos, on the main place of Bohonal de Ibor, the village next to it. The owner, Victor, is super nice!!! And a visit to the “Balcon de Ibor” next to the river is also great!!! If you are just on the road, then the Gas Station on the road is also a great stop to eat and rest a little!!!
Billy Joel Ramos (4 years ago)
This Roman temple was originally in the ancient town of Augustobriga located on the banks of the Tajo River. Later, in the medieval ages, it became known as Talavera la Vieja. When a reservoir, the Embalse de Valdecañas, was decided to be built in the 1960s, this town was submerged. However, some excavation work was done and archeologists were able to preserve this Roman vestibule and three columns from another unidentified temple. The site is opened 24/7 and it’s a nice place to relax, take photos and take in the scenery.
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