The Visigothic necropolis of Arroyo de la Luz is an archaeological site located in the Spanish municipality of Arroyo de la Luz, in the province of Cáceres. It is a complex of anthropomorphic tombs from the Late Roman to Medieval period, built in an area of granite in the dehesa (pasture) of La Luz, to the north of the town.
The necropolis is situated about 500 meters from the hermitage of the Virgin of La Luz. According to research on the graves, as well as the discoveries of ceramics and coins, the necropolis has been dated to between the 4th and 7th centuries. It is mainly from the Visigothic era but with a preceding Late Roman origin. The tombs, carved into the rock, consist of two main groups, the first of which comprises eight anthropomorphic tombs oriented east-west.
A bit further to the south is a group of four anthropomorphic tombs. While two follow the usual east-west orientation, the others are oriented south-north. One is close to a pond. In the west, there is a tomb with a normal alignment next to the square base of an oil press.
All the tombs located close to the ground on a granite outcrop belong to adults. Since no shape has been excavated around them for elevation, rainwater can fill them. There are no traces of the covers that once protected them. The foundations of the oil or grape presses can be seen on the granite rocks surrounding the tombs.
References: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.