Located in the heart of Gijón, a vibrant city on Spain’s northern coast, lies Campo Valdés – an ancient Roman baths complex that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history. This archaeological site is one of the most important Roman remains in Northern Spain and serves as evidence of Gijón’s significant role during the Roman Empire.
A Brief History
The story of Campo Valdés begins in 1st century AD when Gijón was known as ‘Gigia’ under the rule of Romans. The bathhouse was built during this period and served as a social hub for residents until it fell into disuse with the decline of Rome. Over centuries, this historical gem lay buried beneath layers of urban development until its rediscovery in 1944.
After several decades spent excavating and preserving these ruins, they were finally opened to public viewing in 1995. Today, Campo Valdés stands not only as an impressive testament to Roman engineering but also provides valuable insights into daily life during this era.
Exploring Campo Valdés
Campo Valdés comprises two main sections: bathing facilities (thermae) and living quarters (domus). As you wander through these well-preserved ruins, you’ll be able to visualize how Romans once relaxed within steamy calidariums (hot rooms), rejuvenated themselves with cold plunges in frigidariums (cold rooms), or engaged in animated discussions within tepidariums (warm rooms).
The domus section showcases remnants of private homes complete with mosaics floors depicting various scenes from mythology – offering fascinating insights into domestic life during Roman times.
Museum & Interpretation Center
To further enrich your visit to Campo Valdés, be sure to stop by the onsite museum and interpretation center. Here, you’ll find a wealth of informative exhibits detailing the history of Roman Gijón along with archaeological findings from the site.
The museum’s audiovisual presentations bring to life this long-gone era while interactive displays allow visitors to engage on a deeper level with history. The highlight is undoubtedly the scale model of Campo Valdés in its prime – providing an exceptional visual representation of how this complex once functioned during Roman times.
Location & Accessibility
Campo Valdés sits right next to San Pedro Church, offering stunning views over San Lorenzo beach and Cantabrian Sea. It is easily accessible by foot from anywhere in central Gijón or via public transportation for those staying further away.
The site has been thoughtfully adapted for modern visitors without compromising its historical integrity. Clear signage guides you through each section while explanatory panels provide context and information about different aspects of Roman bath culture. Furthermore, it is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this fascinating slice of history.
Plan Your Visit
A visit to Campo Valdés offers more than just a chance to explore ancient ruins; it provides an opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in Spain’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a lover of history or simply curious about past civilizations, make sure not miss out on one Gijón’s most intriguing attractions when visiting Asturias region.
Frequently asked questions
What is Campo Valdés and where is it located?
Campo Valdés is a significant archaeological site located in the city of Gijón, within the Asturias region of northern Spain. This ancient Roman thermal complex lies in close proximity to San Pedro Church and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich historical past of Gijón.
What are the opening hours and admission fees for Campo Valdés?
The Roman Baths at Campo Valdés usually open from Tuesday to Sunday with varying operating hours depending on the season. During summer (July 1st – September 30th), they’re open from 10:30 am to 2 pm, then again from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. In winter (October 1st – June 30th), they’re open from Tuesday through Friday between 9:30 am and 2:00 pm, while during weekends they extend their afternoon session until around sunset. Admission fees vary but typically range around €2.50 for adults with discounts available for students, seniors, groups, or holders of tourist cards like Gijón Card.
What can one expect to see when visiting Campo Valdés?
Campo Valdés houses remnants of an ancient Roman thermae or bathhouse that dates back nearly two millennia ago. Visitors will be able to explore different sections such as calidarium (hot bath), tepidarium (warm bath), frigidarium (cold bath) along with other rooms used by Romans for socializing or exercising before bathing rituals. Information boards provide detailed explanations about these facilities’ functions in English & Spanish languages both helping tourists understand better this fascinating aspect of local history.
Why is Campo Valdés considered historically significant?
The presence of this Roman thermae complex at Campo Valdés indicates the existence of an established Roman settlement in Gijón during the early centuries AD. It’s one of the few remaining examples of such structures on Spain’s northern coast, making it a significant historical and archaeological site. The baths provide insights into daily life, hygiene practices, and social customs during the Roman era in Asturias.
Are there any special events or activities offered at Campo Valdés?
The Baths are primarily a self-guided experience with informative boards explaining different sections. Occasionally, they host temporary exhibitions related to local history or archaeology. Guided tours can also be arranged for groups upon prior request providing more detailed explanations about this fascinating site’s history and significance.
