Romana de Complutum, Community of Madrid, Spain
4.0 (43 reviews) Spent Ranking #18 in Alcala De Henares Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Historic Walking Areas
IF YOU NEED SOME ROMAN HISTORY
If you like Roman history you may appreciate the spot more than a casual tourist. It is modest by most standards. Dating from the late Republic period, much work still needs to be done. Remains of various urban houses can readily be seen. The site had more than one bath site. There is some English to assist with what is being viewed. A couple of Spanish cartoon characters put things in perspective for children. Sadly the House of the Griffins was not open, the marquis attraction. The Casa Hippolytus is a 12M or so walk away, along the main road. There was no entry fee.
Address
Camino del Juncal s/n, 28802 Alcala De Henares Spain
Mobile
Website
http://jmtravel.es/espana/madrid/que-ver-en-alcala-de-henares/#Yacimiento
Current local date and time now
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 13:04
User Ratings
4.0 based on (43 reviews)
Reviews
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4Emily A 5:00 PM Oct 19, 2019
When not in Rome...
If you are looking for something off the beaten path in Alcala de Henares, then look no further than Las Ruinas Romanas de Complutum. They sit just south of the Garena Cercanias stop in Alcala, on the west end of Calle Nunez de Guzman. Contrary to 'older reviews', it is not hard to find if you look on google maps. And as you approach the site, you'll see a wall, a chain fence, a large building inside, and a sign that announces "Complutum". You may also use the Alcala tourist trolley, as this is one of the stops. And be aware they observe siesta hours, and it's free. Be sure to say 'hola' to the person in the welcome booth/kiosk. And if you want to see the house of Hippolytus, there's a gravel 'road' just south west of the welcome kiosk. Now to the site itself. I love everything Roman, so this decent sized area quenched my curiosity. Signs in English and Spanish line the gravel path that snakes around the various ruins. Many are in different stages of renovation. There is a forum, a place of law, baths, and a house with lovely frescoes. The house is inside the large building, being preserved. If you take time to read, you may well enjoy this ever growing ancient Roman city.
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3Minnie G 5:00 PM Feb 18, 2018
Difficult to find
I went with Spanish friends who were knowledgeable about the site, as they live nearby, otherwise I doubt I would have known or found it. The cost of entry is quite minimal, a few Euros. It is fascinating to see the Roman remains but it appears that the City has put the expenditure on hold. There is still much to dig up. What is on display is rather good but do take the time to walk around slowly so that you take in everything. There are a few signs in English that explain the finds; what has been retrieved. There is a military base nearby because as we were walking around a jet flew past very low, breaking the sound barrier. What a god awful noise that was! They didn’t have that in Roman times. Once this place is finished properly it should make for a fine attraction.
