Lancia Roman City Archaeological Site
Explore the remnants of an ancient Asturian and Roman metropolis, once a vital center in Dalmatia and the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Guided tours available
Lancia Roman City Archaeological Site
Best Time
Guided tours available
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.
"A historically significant site, best experienced with an archaeologist's guidance on weekends."
🚗 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roman Baths
Archaeological Site
Discover the remnants of ancient Roman baths, offering a glimpse into daily life and engineering.
Asturian City Remains
Archaeological Site
Explore foundations from an important Asturian city, a precursor to Roman influence.
Unexcavated Sections
Archaeological Site
Witness vast areas with fragments of tiles and pottery, hinting at the city's former grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours Carefully
Prepare for Unexcavated Areas
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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:🧐 Imagine the Grandeur
Much is unexcavated; bring your imagination to envision the once-great city.
:brain:⏳ Check Schedule Diligently
Visitor reports indicate inconsistent opening hours. Confirm before you go!
:alarm_clock: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.
:car:🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Visit on Fri-Sun for a FREE guided tour by an archaeologist to truly understand the site.
:male_detective:🧐 Imagine the Grandeur
Much is unexcavated; bring your imagination to envision the once-great city.
:brain:⏳ Check Schedule Diligently
Visitor reports indicate inconsistent opening hours. Confirm before you go!
:alarm_clock:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
It's located off the highway, with clear directions once you exit.No, the road is an unpaved forest track, but it's generally in good condition and manageable for standard vehicles.
Information on public transport is limited. Driving is the most recommended method due to the site's location and accessibility via forest tracks.
Yes, there is parking available next to the archaeological site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The site is located a short drive from León, making it a feasible day trip for history enthusiasts.
🎫 🎫 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.
Access to the site is often FREE, especially when visiting with an archaeologist guide on specific days.
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.
Guided tours with an archaeologist are typically available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering a deeper understanding of the site's history.
There are ongoing projects, including the construction of a reception and interpretation center, and potentially a cafeteria, with a projected completion date around 2024.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
While historically significant, the site can appear somewhat neglected due to ongoing excavations and limited visible structures.
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.
Yes, there are some explanatory panels providing information about the archaeological complex and its history.
The site involves walking over uneven terrain and unexcavated areas. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the visible Roman bath structures and the expansive, unexcavated landscapes that hint at the city's former scale.
Photography is generally permitted, but be mindful of ongoing archaeological work and any restricted areas.
Landscape photography to capture the vastness of the site and architectural details of the ruins would be ideal.
Specific drone regulations are not mentioned, but it's always advisable to check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying drones.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the atmosphere and highlight the textures of the ancient ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring snacks and water, as amenities on-site are limited. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the terrain can be uneven. The ongoing construction for a new visitor center might also be of interest to curious kids.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Visiting during the guided tour days (Friday-Sunday) is highly recommended to gain in-depth insights from an archaeologist. 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. The ongoing development of interpretation centers promises to further enhance the understanding of this important archaeological complex.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rich History of Lancia
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. The site is also noted as the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian, a pivotal figure in Roman history.
Despite its historical weight, much of Lancia remains unexcavated, with fragments of tiles and pottery scattered across the vast site. Ongoing excavation campaigns and plans for a visitor and interpretation center aim to shed more light on this ancient metropolis.
Visiting Lancia: What to Expect
The site is accessible via a forest track, which is generally in good condition and manageable for most vehicles. 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. 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. This is considered the best way to understand the site's history and the ongoing discoveries. Plans are in motion to develop the site further with a reception and interpretation center, which should enhance the visitor experience in the future.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit