Discover Astorga: Romans, Gaudí and regional culture

The Roman Route is a guided tour that begins at the Roman Museum, passes through Astorga’s historic centre and leads to preserved archaeological remains. One of its destinations is a section of the moat that formed part of the defensive system of the camp of Legio X Gemina. You can explore Astorga along this guided route, through its collections and buildings, or through its festivals and food culture. The different formats each have their own focus: the guided route combines a walk through the historic centre with archaeological remains, while Astures y Romanos stages historical reenactments at several locations throughout the city.

Culture and architecture

The Roman Museum houses finds from archaeological excavations in Astorga and its surrounding area. It is located in the vaulted portico traditionally known as the “Ergástula”, which formed part of a building in the centre of the forum of the ancient city. The Pompeian wall paintings discovered by José María Luengo are exhibited there.

The Palacio de Gaudí is a Neo-Gothic building with features reminiscent of a castle, an aristocratic residence and a temple. Since 1964, it has housed the Museo de los Caminos. A panoramic lift provides access to the Palacio Escondido and allows visitors to visit the four terraces of the Palacio de Gaudí.

The Cathedral Museum houses the Arqueta de San Genadio, an example of 10th-century Asturian pre-Romanesque goldsmithing. Together with the Roman collections and the Palacio de Gaudí, it represents a range of historical and art-historical perspectives.

The Chocolate Museum documents Astorga’s chocolate industry from the 18th to the 20th century and the transition from artisanal production to mechanisation. The museum is housed in an elegant early-20th-century mansion that served the chocolatier Magín Rubio as a residence, warehouse and factory.

History and events

Holy Week in Astorga has been documented since the 16th century and received the designation of a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2011. The Astures y Romanos programme includes historical reenactment events at various locations throughout the city, including a Roman circus, the reception of Caesar, a victory procession, a Roman market and days dedicated to Asturian-Roman cuisine. In addition to museums and buildings, this also adds time-limited events and staged historical reenactments.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Astorga, travel dates, type of apartment and cancellation conditions can be considered separately. These three details offer their own perspective on the accommodation, while the city’s historical themes become visible through their respective offerings and events.

Regional cuisine

The first written reference to Mantecadas de Astorga dates from 1805. In Cocido Maragato, seven types of meat are served first, followed by chickpeas and finally soup and dessert. Cocido Maragato and other local specialities can be sampled in the restaurants of the municipality of Astorga.

More destinations

More destinations in this selection: Castrillo De Los Polvazares, Toral de Merayo, Valdecañada, Pallide, Chozas De Abajo, Villarente, Cerezales Del Condado, Peñalba De Santiago

To the higher-level travel overview: León.