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Numantia

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ruins
—°6
Numantia (Spain)

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Numantia was an ancient Celtiberian settlement located on the Garray hill near Soria, legendary for its defiance against the Roman Republic. In 134 BC, the Roman general Scipio Aemilianus surrounded the city with a 9-kilometer siege wall and seven forts to starve its inhabitants into submission. After 15 months of relentless siege, the Numantians chose collective suicide and the burning of their own city in 133 BC rather than surrendering to Roman slavery. This event made Numantia a lasting symbol of Spanish courage and independence, immortalized in literature and national identity. Today, the archaeological site reveals a mix of Celtiberian street plans and the foundations of the Roman city later built over the ruins. Excavations since the 19th century have yielded significant artifacts, which are now housed in the Numantine Museum in Soria.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C225811161818151052
Rain mm423749535247262129495234

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Numantia archaeological site is open as an open-air museum, with marked paths and information boards. You can explore the ruins on your own.
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Typical hours
Opening hours vary by season, typically 10:00-18:00, longer in summer. Closed on some holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, even for personal use. Drones are not permitted, and tripods only with permission.
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Time needed
Allow about 1-1.5 hours for a walk around the site. Those interested in Celtiberian history will need more time.
Combine with
Numantia is near Soria, which has a lovely old town and the Numantino Museum. The Duero valley nature is also worth a trip.
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Getting there
By car, reach Numantia via the A-15 motorway, exit Soria, then follow signs. Parking on site is limited.
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Insider tip
First visit the Numantino Museum in Soria for an overview of the history. Binoculars help make out distant structures.

Geography

Coordinates
41.81000, -2.44400

Facts

  • The city was destroyed in 133 BC after a long siege
  • Scipio's circumvallation wall spanned 9 kilometers
  • The siege lasted for 15 months before the fall
  • Located on Garray hill at an altitude of 1,074 meters
  • First modern excavations were initiated in 1860
  • Legendary site of collective resistance in Spanish history

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Numantia (6)

Ruinas de Numancia

Ruins of the ancient Celtiberian city of Numantia, a major archaeological site.

Ermita de los Santos Mártires

Cultural property in Garray, a hermitage.

Dinosaurio Parasaurolophus Garray

Dinosaur sculpture or model in Garray.

Aula Arqueológica🏛 museum

Archaeological interpretation center with exhibits on the area's history.

Campamento Romano de Alto Real

Roman military camp, an archaeological site.

Campamento romano Valderrobón

Roman military camp, an archaeological site.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Numancia located?
The ruins are located on La Muela hill, about 7 km from the city of Soria.
What happened in Numancia in 133 BC?
After a long Roman siege, the inhabitants chose collective suicide over surrender.
Can reconstructed houses be seen?
Yes, there are reconstructions of both a Celtiberian and a Roman house on-site.
Is the archaeological site open on Mondays?
No, like many state museums in Spain, it is closed on Mondays.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, guided tours are offered, which are very helpful in understanding the complex history.
Numantia: where is it located?
Numantia is located in Galicia, Spain.
Numantia: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ruinas de Numancia, Ermita de los Santos Mártires, Dinosaurio Parasaurolophus Garray.
Numantia: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Numantia: why is it worth visiting?
Numantia was an ancient Celtiberian settlement located on the Garray hill near Soria, legendary for its defiance against the Roman Republic.
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