Roman City of Lancia - Image 1
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Lancia Roman City Archaeological Site

3.7
·190 reviews·Villasabariego, Spain

Explore the remnants of an ancient Asturian and Roman metropolis, once a vital center in Dalmatia and the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fri, Sat, Sun mornings

Guided tours available

CrowdLow
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Roman City of Lancia - Image 1

Lancia Roman City Archaeological Site

Best Time

Fri, Sat, Sun mornings

Guided tours available

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the remnants of an ancient Asturian and Roman metropolis, once a vital center in Dalmatia and the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian.

3.7
(190 reviews)

"A historically significant site, best experienced with an archaeologist's guidance on weekends."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Access Road

A well-maintained forest track leads to the site; most cars can handle it. Parking is available nearby. :car:

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Recommended

Visit on Fri-Sun for a FREE guided tour by an archaeologist to truly understand the site. :male_detective:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roman Baths

Roman Baths

Archaeological Site

Discover the remnants of ancient Roman baths, offering a glimpse into daily life and engineering.

Reddit
Asturian City Remains

Asturian City Remains

Archaeological Site

Explore foundations from an important Asturian city, a precursor to Roman influence.

Reddit
Unexcavated Sections

Unexcavated Sections

Archaeological Site

Witness vast areas with fragments of tiles and pottery, hinting at the city's former grandeur.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Check Opening Hours Carefully

Schedules can be inconsistent; many visitors report finding the site closed even during advertised hours. Confirm current opening times before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Prepare for Unexcavated Areas

While historically significant, much of the site remains unexcavated. Expect to see mostly foundations and walls, with limited visible structures. Reddit

Best Times

When
Fri, Sat, Sun mornings
Why
Guided tours available
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, but no guide
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Bravo-Zulu-Niner Lanica Delta S4 Group B Killer #lancia #lanciadeltas4 #groupb #groupbrally #RIP #henritoivonen #audiquattro #peugeott16 #metro6r4 #fordrs200
@49global
62.7K likes • 802.6K views

🚗 Easy Access Road

A well-maintained forest track leads to the site; most cars can handle it. Parking is available nearby. Reddit :car:

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Recommended

Visit on Fri-Sun for a FREE guided tour by an archaeologist to truly understand the site. Reddit :male_detective:

Pocket change 🙄 #MyColoredHair #FordMaverick
@odyvia
29.6K likes • 193.3K views
📍Salona #salona #salonaromanruins #romanruins #history #historylovers #historyofcroatia #historyphotographed #historicarchitecture #historicbuildings #historicplaces #traveldestination #traveldestinations #traveltocroatia #travel #travelphotography #destination #trip #visitsolin #visitsalona #visitcroatia #visitcroatiarightnow #visit #solin #dalmatia #croatia #croatiafulloflife #croatiafullofhist...
mysticalmoment
1K likes • 0 views

🧐 Imagine the Grandeur

Much is unexcavated; bring your imagination to envision the once-great city. Reddit :brain:

⏳ Check Schedule Diligently

Visitor reports indicate inconsistent opening hours. Confirm before you go! Reddit :alarm_clock:

Roman amphitheater and town just in outskirts of Split in Solin / Salona. 15 euros for a wander for a whole family, definitely recommend . And I don’t want to appear too cultured so it beggars the question Russell Crowe or Paul Mescal ?!! I’d take either honestly.. #40plusnotgivingupyet #croatia #split
40plusnotgivingupyet
484 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Access Road

A well-maintained forest track leads to the site; most cars can handle it. Parking is available nearby. Reddit :car:

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Recommended

Visit on Fri-Sun for a FREE guided tour by an archaeologist to truly understand the site. Reddit :male_detective:

🧐 Imagine the Grandeur

Much is unexcavated; bring your imagination to envision the once-great city. Reddit :brain:

⏳ Check Schedule Diligently

Visitor reports indicate inconsistent opening hours. Confirm before you go! Reddit :alarm_clock:

What Travellers Say

3.7
(190 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Lancia Roman City historically significant, with vast unexcavated areas hinting at its past grandeur. While access is generally easy and tours are free on weekends, many report issues with inconsistent opening hours and a somewhat neglected appearance due to ongoing work. The site is best appreciated with an archaeologist's guidance.

"Good morning, it was supposed to be open and close at 2:00. I got there at 12:30 and there was no one there. You can get there by exiting the highway, crossing underneath, and then taking a forest track, but any car can get there. There's parking next to the site. It's all closed; you can see it clearly, but you can't get in. The site is signposted on the highway. If you're heading toward Burgos, it's located on the left. Exit to your right and go under the highway. When you get there, you go up a forest track, but any car can go up there without a problem; it's well signposted. But don't trust the schedule. Today it was open until 2:00, and when I got there around 12:30, there was no one there."

Hugo Arboleya Canteli

"After seeing the references, panels, and information in the León museum about the importance of this settlement from the different phases of the Metal Age to the Roman period, and after learning that this gem remained hidden for some 1,500 years until recently, we had to stop by to see it.
We've read that there have also been and continue to be excavation campaigns.
That a visitor center had been budgeted and approved, we were even surprised by the idea of ​​a bar or restaurant—well, expectations were very high.
The disappointment came when, almost hidden, a sign directed us toward the archaeological site along a kind of wide goat path.
As we walked along it, a fox crossed our path and followed us for a while until it disappeared into a ravine. Around a curve, unnoticed and unmarked, we made out the Roman baths, then some tastings on the ground, and further on, a couple of machines, several construction containers, a few workers' vehicles...
Somewhere in the distance, about five people wearing brightly colored vests appear to be working among the remains.
Explanatory panels speak of a Lancia city we must imagine, because very little is visible.
Even so, we must get here and witness the visit. Much and very interesting remains to be discovered. Let's hope the funds allocated for it are not lost, but above all, that much more is allocated and this treasure is put in its rightful place."

Juanjo Bermejo

"Although it looks a bit neglected, I can't help but give it a high rating due to the site's historical importance. The site is enormous, with many hectares still unexcavated (there are fragments of tiles and pottery everywhere). The good news is a panel announcing the construction of a reception center to interpret the archaeological complex. It's easily accessible via a forest track in very good condition, and the site has explanatory panels.
The site has a very long history, with documented occupations from the Copper Age to the end of the Bronze Age.
Later, in the Iron Age, it became an important Asturian city. According to Roman chroniclers, one of the most important. Its material culture is similar to that of its Celtiberian cousins, the Vaccaei.
It was conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC, and incorporated into the empire. During the 2nd century, most of its public buildings were erected, and it experienced its greatest splendor. Towards the end of the 4th and beginning of the 5th centuries AD. the city loses importance and is abandoned permanently."

Jomer Conjota

What People Like

Historical significance
Free guided tours
Easy car access

What People Dislike

Inconsistent opening hours
Limited visible ruins
Appears neglected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The site is accessible via a well-signposted forest track, suitable for most cars. There's parking available near the entrance. Reddit It's located off the highway, with clear directions once you exit. Reddit

No, the road is an unpaved forest track, but it's generally in good condition and manageable for standard vehicles. Reddit

Information on public transport is limited. Driving is the most recommended method due to the site's location and accessibility via forest tracks. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available next to the archaeological site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

The site is located a short drive from León, making it a feasible day trip for history enthusiasts. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can be inconsistent. While some sources mention Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for guided tours, visitors have reported finding it closed even during advertised times. It's crucial to verify current hours. Reddit+1

Access to the site is often FREE, especially when visiting with an archaeologist guide on specific days. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the site outside of guided tour times, but you will likely only be able to view it from outside the fence, seeing fewer excavated remains. Reddit

Guided tours with an archaeologist are typically available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering a deeper understanding of the site's history. Reddit

There are ongoing projects, including the construction of a reception and interpretation center, and potentially a cafeteria, with a projected completion date around 2024. Reddit+1

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can see remnants of Roman baths, foundations of an Asturian city, and large unexcavated areas with pottery fragments. Much of the site is still being excavated. Reddit+1

While historically significant, the site can appear somewhat neglected due to ongoing excavations and limited visible structures. Reddit

It was an important Asturian city and later a significant Roman settlement, with a long history from the Copper Age to the Roman period. It was the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are some explanatory panels providing information about the archaeological complex and its history. Reddit+1

The site involves walking over uneven terrain and unexcavated areas. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the visible Roman bath structures and the expansive, unexcavated landscapes that hint at the city's former scale. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally permitted, but be mindful of ongoing archaeological work and any restricted areas. Instagram

Landscape photography to capture the vastness of the site and architectural details of the ruins would be ideal. Instagram

Specific drone regulations are not mentioned, but it's always advisable to check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying drones. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the atmosphere and highlight the textures of the ancient ruins. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lancia Roman City can be an engaging experience for families, offering a chance to explore history outdoors. The accessible forest track makes it easy to reach by car, and there's parking available. Reddit While much of the site is unexcavated, the open spaces allow children to roam (under supervision) and imagine life in Roman times. Reddit Consider visiting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to take advantage of the free guided tours led by an archaeologist, which can make the history more accessible and interesting for younger minds. Reddit

Bring snacks and water, as amenities on-site are limited. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the terrain can be uneven. Reddit The ongoing construction for a new visitor center might also be of interest to curious kids. Reddit+1

🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts

For those passionate about ancient history and archaeology, Lancia Roman City is a must-visit. This site offers a unique opportunity to witness an active excavation and understand the layers of history from the Copper Age through the Roman period. Reddit The presence of an Asturian city and its connection to Emperor Diocletian add significant historical weight. InstagramReddit

Visiting during the guided tour days (Friday-Sunday) is highly recommended to gain in-depth insights from an archaeologist. Reddit Even with limited visible structures, the sheer scale of the unexcavated areas and the fragments of pottery and tiles provide ample material for contemplation and study. Reddit The ongoing development of interpretation centers promises to further enhance the understanding of this important archaeological complex. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rich History of Lancia

Lancia boasts a long and layered history, with evidence of occupation dating back to the Copper Age and continuing through the Bronze Age. It later rose to prominence as a significant Asturian city during the Iron Age, recognized by Roman chroniclers as one of the most important settlements of its time. Its material culture shared similarities with its Celtiberian neighbors, the Vaccaei. Reddit

The Romans conquered Lancia in the 1st century BC and integrated it into their empire. The 2nd century AD marked its zenith, with the construction of most of its public buildings and a period of great splendor. However, by the late 4th and early 5th centuries AD, the city began to decline in importance and was eventually abandoned permanently. Reddit The site is also noted as the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian, a pivotal figure in Roman history. Instagram

Despite its historical weight, much of Lancia remains unexcavated, with fragments of tiles and pottery scattered across the vast site. Reddit Ongoing excavation campaigns and plans for a visitor and interpretation center aim to shed more light on this ancient metropolis. Reddit+1

Visiting Lancia: What to Expect

Visitors to Lancia Roman City should be prepared for an archaeological site that is still very much a work in progress. While the historical significance is undeniable, the visible remains can be limited, often consisting of excavated walls and foundations. Reddit+1 Many travelers report that without a guide, it can be challenging to fully appreciate the scale and importance of the ruins. Reddit

The site is accessible via a forest track, which is generally in good condition and manageable for most vehicles. Reddit Parking is available nearby. However, a significant point of caution for visitors is the inconsistency of opening hours. Several accounts mention arriving to find the site closed, even when it was supposed to be open. Reddit Therefore, it's highly recommended to confirm the schedule before making the trip.

For those who can visit during the designated times, a free guided tour with an archaeologist is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Reddit This is considered the best way to understand the site's history and the ongoing discoveries. Reddit Plans are in motion to develop the site further with a reception and interpretation center, which should enhance the visitor experience in the future. Reddit+1

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