Wall of Lugo, 18 centuries of history

The Roman Lugo Walls are considered the unique example of military Roman fortification by UNESCO. In fact, this fortification dates from the 3rd century and it’s extraordinary that it arrives up to the present day preserving whole his perimeter. The Lugo’s Wall was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2000 and also, it is twinned with the Great Wall of China since 2007.
The fortification was built in order to protect the city of Lucus Augusti (Lugo)from the Barbarian threat, and the wall is a part of a defensive set which consists of moat, wall and intervallum. The fortress shuts up a 34.4 hectares area and a perimeter of 2,120 metres approximately. His average thickness is 4.20 metres and the wall is between 8-12 metres high. The name of Lucus Augusti comes from one part, from Celtic god called Lugh, and then Romans adapted it into his language, and the other part, in honour of the César Augusto Emperor. Many authors keep discussing about his possible origin in a military camp. That is the explanation most accepted, actually. Lugo’s people state that the origin sites in an old Celtic “castro” (pre Roman military fortification), and when the Romans arrived it was transformed. From some funerary finds, it seems that at the beginning Lugo was a Celtic sanctuary of the god Lugh. After being conquered by the Romans, the city was called Lucus Augusti.
Far from being a problem, the wall’s structure is completely integrated into the whole urban group. Furthermore it has become a point of interest of the city, which its citizens are very proud of.
So if you are encouraged to know this ancient city, don’t miss out on the cathedral, the Thermal Baths, Roman Bridge, Church of San Pedro, Church of Santiago a Nova, and of course, the Roman Lugo Walls.