Cáparra and the Silver Route
Cáparra and the Silver Route
The Silver Route was a Roman road that crossed the western part of Hispania from south to north, stretching from Augusta Emerita (Mérida, capital of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura) to Asturica Augusta (Astorga in the province of León).
During the Roman era, it served as a fundamental communication axis both during the conquest and the imperial period. Over time, it became the main communication route in western Spain and also started to serve as a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, becoming known as the “Jacobean Route of the South.”
Today, the Jacobean Route of the Silver Route guides pilgrims from the city of Seville to Astorga in León, where it connects with the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, leading to its final destination, the holy city of Santiago de Compostela.
Although it does not hold the same prominence as other pilgrimage routes, it is gaining increasing importance. Its revival is linked to the convergence of several paths that traverse Spain from south to north, allowing pilgrims to appreciate and enjoy the rich historical, cultural, and artistic heritage, as well as numerous archaeological remains from the Roman era that can be found along the way.
A Journey Through Time……………………
On the Silver Route, we step back in time and encounter the ruins of Cáparra, where the traces of its Roman past immerse us fully in history.
Located in the Alagón Valley, it is a must-see stop on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, between Oliva de Plasencia and Baños de Montemayor. Here, visitors can admire the most important and best-preserved monument, the quadriform arch of Cáparra.
The Ancient City of Cáparra………………
Its origin is uncertain; the Greeks and Romans placed it in the region of Lusitania, and its population was possibly of Vetton origin, referring to the pre-Roman Celtic inhabitants of the western Iberian Peninsula.
Initially, the Romans attributed Cáparra with the status of a stipendiary city, meaning the population had to pay a tax and contribute to the Roman army but retained their own laws, currency, and land.
Finally, in 74 AD, Vespasian granted Cáparra the status of Municipium, making its inhabitants Roman citizens and ushering in the city’s period of greatest splendour.
The city was walled and had three access gates. The southern gate led to the Municipal Forum via the Cardo Maximus, while the other gates connected the Decumanus Maximus to the Silver Route.
Today, part of its remains can still be seen, including its main monument, the Arch of Cáparra, and some of the most significant buildings such as the Forum, public baths, and the basilica. The Forum included an open portico with a small temple used for legal proceedings. To the right of the Forum was the Curia, and at the back of the Forum building were three temples whose doors were aligned with the three access gates to the Forum.
The Arch of Cáparra is located at the junction of the Cardo and Decumanus, providing access to the city’s Forum. It stood about 13 metres tall and is a quadriform arch rising on four pillars that form four semicircular arches. Each pillar is based on a foundation topped with a cornice. On the sides facing the Roman road, pedestals are visible, likely once holding statues or effigies of the era. It is the only arch of this type preserved in Spain.
Undoubtedly, it is a beautiful stop and a must-visit destination that will delight and captivate every pilgrim.
If you want to step back in time and embark on an exciting adventure, Dive in and Discover its secrets…
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