Roman Walls of Lugo facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
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| Location | Lugo, Galicia, Spain |
| Criteria | Cultural: (iv) |
| Inscription | 2000 (24th Session) |
| Area | 1.68 ha (4.2 acres) |
| Buffer zone | 59.88 ha (148.0 acres) |
The Roman Walls of Lugo are ancient walls built around the city of Lugo in Galicia (Spain), Spain. They were constructed a very long time ago, in the 3rd century AD (around the 200s). These strong walls were part of the Roman Empire's defenses.
What's amazing is that most of the walls are still standing today! They stretch for over 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles) around the old part of Lugo. The city is on a hilltop, and the walls have a wide ditch right in front of them. The walls are usually about 10 meters (33 feet) tall and can be up to 8 meters (26 feet) thick. Along the front, there are many round towers, each up to 13 meters (43 feet) wide. The walls are made from a type of rock called schist, which was found nearby. Because they are so special, the walls have been named a World Heritage Site.
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Discover the Ancient Roman Walls of Lugo
The Roman Walls of Lugo are a fantastic example of ancient Roman engineering. They show how skilled the Romans were at building strong defenses. These walls have protected the city for almost 2,000 years!
Why Were the Lugo Walls Built?
The Roman Empire built these walls to protect the city of Lucus Augusti, which is now Lugo. In the 3rd century AD, the Roman Empire was facing many threats. Building strong walls like these helped keep the city safe from invaders. They were a key part of the city's defense system.
What Makes the Lugo Walls Special?
The walls are incredibly well-preserved. Most ancient Roman walls have fallen apart or been changed over time. But the Lugo walls are almost complete. You can even walk along the top of them!
How the Walls Were Constructed
The Romans used local materials to build the walls. The main material was schist, a type of rock that splits into thin layers. They also used granite and mortar to hold everything together. The walls were designed to be very strong and hard to break through.
Features of the Walls
- Height and Thickness: The walls stand about 10 meters (33 feet) tall and are up to 8 meters (26 feet) thick. This made them very difficult for enemies to attack.
- Towers: There are many semicircular towers along the wall. These towers were used by guards to watch for enemies and to defend the city.
- Gates: Originally, the walls had five main gates. These gates were the only ways to enter or leave the city. Over time, more gates were added.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In the year 2000, the Roman Walls of Lugo were recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This means they are considered very important to the history and culture of the world. UNESCO helps to protect and preserve these special places for future generations. It's a big honor for Lugo and for Spain!
Images for kids
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The San Pedro gate, one of the five original Roman gates
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Walkway over the walls
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Engraving of 1850 depicting the original windows, published in the Semanario Pintoresco Español
See also
In Spanish: Muralla romana de Lugo para niños
