Segóbriga Roman Basin and Lapis Specularis Mine

We set off towards Saelices, very close to Segóbriga, one of the Roman points that best preserve its rich archaeological heritage, constituting the best on the Plateau.

We will observe the place on which the ancient Roman city stands, although other previous cultures have already left their mark, having also found remains of pre-Romanesque colonies, such as archaeological objects and coins belonging to the Celts.

Segóbriga was the nerve center of the Meseta and it did not lack anything, from Roman temples to a theater, as well as several amphitheatres, luxurious common baths and of course, several markets. As is known, its economy was powerful thanks to mining and agriculture, reasons why this majestic city was built.

In the last part of the excursion, we visited the Alcarria Cuenca, which is an old mine exploited in ancient times for its wealth of gypsum glass or lapis specularis, as the Romans called it. This set of mines, also called Cuevas de Sanabrio, clearly reflects the mining power that the Romans obtained with their exploitation.

We will make the return trip through the Río Mayor valley.