Two more routes of the Vía de la Plata in Mérida
Lovers of archaeology and the environment now have a new tourist attraction along two sections of the Roman road of the Vía de la Plata. Specifically, in the Casa de Campo of Mérida and on the Roman bridge over the Aljucén River, within the municipality of Mirandilla. This archaeological intervention, located on the northern exit within the municipality of Mérida, is part of the Vía de la Plata II project in Extremadura (better known as Alba Plata II), and was visited yesterday by the director general of Cultural Heritage of the Regional Government of Extremadura, Esperanza Díaz. In both cases, the excavation, documentation of the remains, as well as their protection and musealization have been carried out.
In the first of the routes, located in the well-known Casa de Campo of the Extremaduran capital, a very well-preserved section of Roman road has been recovered, measuring 38 meters long and 9.5 meters wide. In the same area, various fragments of milestones have also appeared. “One of them was found in situ. What we have done is consolidate and clean it, as it had moss and lichen that were deteriorating it,” Díaz explained.
This archaeological remnant, with a cubic granite base standing between 2 and 4 meters high and 50 to 80 centimeters in diameter, was used by the Romans to measure distances. It is expressed in miles, and each cylinder corresponded to 1,000 Roman double steps, equivalent today to 1,481 meters. Specifically, this milestone bears the inscription number VI, indicating that from that point to the city of Mérida there is a distance of six miles.
To preserve the site, the area has been fenced off and a wooden bridge has been installed to prevent vehicles and visitors from stepping on the road.
Aljucén River
The second section in which work has been carried out is located at the Roman bridge over the Aljucén River. This intervention has made it possible to understand the entire construction technique of the bridge. It features ashlar stonework and is made up of large granite blocks fitted dry. Thanks to the work carried out, 28.76 meters of the bridge’s length have been documented, although based on the foundations and the stone-robbery trench discovered during the excavation, it is believed that its original length may have been around 40 meters.
A perimeter fence has also been installed in this area to protect the archaeological sites.
For this intervention, the Department of Culture and Tourism allocated 211,935 euros.
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