Examining the Impressive Ancient Roman Walls of Lugo

The territory of Galicia in Spain was conquered by the Romans c. 61 BC. The army led by Julius Caesar changed the beautiful scenery of this part of the Iberian Peninsula forever. Over the centuries, the Romans created a number of impressive buildings and changed the urban landscape. One of the greatest remains of those times are the city of Lugo’s Roman walls.

Lugo was founded by Celtic inhabitants, or pre-Roman people, who lived in Galicia. The first name of the city comes from the name of the Pan-Celtic God of light, arts, and oaths – Lugos. After the Romans conquered Galicia, a man known as Paulus Fabius Maximus created the city called Lucus Augusti in place of the old settlement. The first military camp appeared there in 13 BC.

Nowadays, Lugo is a city which is 332 km2 (128 sq. mi), and has a population of 98,560 (in 2014). It is the only city in the world which is surrounded by totally intact Roman Walls.

Map signaling the gates in the wall of Lugo (Galicia, Spain) (CC BY-SA 2.0)