TIERMES ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

THE CITY CARVED INTO THE ROCK

The Archaeological Site of Tiermes, located in the south of the province of Soria, is one of the most remarkable historical landmarks of Celtiberia. Often referred to as the “Spanish Pompeii,” Tiermes is renowned for its extraordinary rock-cut architecture, where houses, streets, and public spaces were carved directly into the sandstone.

Originally founded as a Celtiberian settlement, the site flourished during the Roman period, becoming an important strategic city within the Upper Duero region.

Today, a visit to Tiermes offers the chance to explore one of Soria’s most impressive archaeological sites, where history, heritage, and the natural landscape come together in a truly unique setting.

THE HISTORY OF TIERMES

The first inhabitants of Tiermes were the Celtiberians, who established a fortified settlement carefully adapted to the rugged, rocky landscape. Following the Roman conquest in the 1st century BC, Tiermes gradually developed into an important city of the Roman Empire.

During this period, extensive urban infrastructure was created, including hydraulic systems, houses, and public buildings, many of them carved directly into the sandstone bedrock.

Over the centuries, the city continued to evolve until it was finally abandoned during the medieval period, leaving behind one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula.

WHAT TO SEE IN TIERMES

Visiting Tiermes means discovering one of the greatest treasures of Soria’s archaeological heritage. Its unique combination of history, dramatic landscapes, and remarkable rock-cut architecture offers an unforgettable experience for anyone wishing to explore the legacy of ancient Celtiberia.

Walking through the site allows visitors to understand how its inhabitants lived more than two thousand years ago and to appreciate how this extraordinary place has witnessed successive chapters of history. A must-see destination for anyone with a passion for history, archaeology, and cultural tourism.

TIERMES ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION CENTRE

The Tiermes Archaeological Interpretation Centre provides visitors with an engaging introduction to the history and development of the archaeological site.

Through interpretive displays, educational resources, and archaeological artefacts, the centre explains the origins of the city, the daily lives of its inhabitants, and the process of Romanisation in the region. It is the ideal starting point for a visit, offering a comprehensive overview of the history of Tiermes and the rich heritage of Celtiberian culture.

HERMITAGE OF SANTA MARÍA DE TIERMES

Beside the archaeological site stands the Hermitage of Santa María de Tiermes, a Romanesque chapel that forms an integral part of the area’s historic landscape.

Built on the remains of earlier structures, the chapel has served as an important landmark for local communities for centuries. Today, it continues to be a place of gathering, particularly during traditional pilgrimages and local celebrations.

Its presence is a reminder that Tiermes remained a place of significance long after the abandonment of the ancient city, linking the site’s medieval heritage with its much earlier Celtiberian and Roman past.

VISIT TIERMES

Visiting Tiermes means discovering one of the greatest treasures of Soria’s archaeological heritage. Its unique combination of history, spectacular landscapes, and remarkable rock-cut architecture offers an unforgettable experience for anyone wishing to explore the legacy of ancient Celtiberia.

A walk through the archaeological site reveals how its inhabitants lived more than two thousand years ago and how this extraordinary place witnessed successive stages of history, from its Celtiberian origins to the Roman and medieval periods.

A must-visit destination for anyone passionate about history, archaeology, and cultural tourism.