Costa Verde, located in northern Spain, is a region steeped in history that offers a unique perspective on the country's rich past for history enthusiasts. This lush and verdant coastal stretch, encompassing Asturias, Cantabria, and part of the Basque Country, is known for its captivating historical sites and cultural heritage.
These thermae (Roman baths) of Gijón are considered one of the most important sites in northern Spain. Campo Valdés are a site museum on baths dating from the Early Empire. They are located in front of the Church of San Pedro under Campo Valdés Gardens, at sea level. The baths were discovered in 1903, remaining hidden from the public until 1965.
Located outside the Roman walls, the baths consisted of two distinct units: the household area and the area of the thermae.
Santa Ana Castle was built in the 13th century but abandoned already in the 16th century. The five 15m high corner towers protect the main building where the lighthouse was erected in 1853.
The castle of San Vicente de la Barquera was a royal residence built by Alfonso I of Asturias in the 8th century. The current walls and structure date from the 13th century. The complex is 50 meters long and around 20 m wide. Today the restored castle is a museum and used for events.
The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.