Reccopolis

Reccopolis is the archaeological site of a Visigothic city in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, founded in the late 6th century. It is a rare example of a planned urban foundation from the Visigothic kingdom and preserves foundations of civic and religious structures.

Excavations have exposed a basilica, public buildings and parts of the city’s defensive circuit and street plan. The remains illustrate urban design and monumental architecture from the late antique and early medieval periods in central Iberia.

The city was established under Visigothic rule in the late 6th century and later experienced continuity and change under successive rulers, including Islamic administration. The site was eventually abandoned and later excavated by archaeologists to reveal its layout and structures.

Reccopolis is located near the village of Zorita de los Canes in Guadalajara province, within Castilla-La Mancha. The site sits on a low hill within a rural agricultural landscape.

• Foundation period: Founded in the late 6th century during the Visigothic kingdom, it is one of the few planned cities from that period in Iberia.
• Visitor expectations: The site is primarily archaeological; visitors should expect open-air ruins and informational panels rather than extensive facilities on site.

What to See #

• Basilica and public buildings: Excavated remains include the layout of a central basilica and associated public buildings dating to the late 6th century Visigothic foundation.
• Defensive walls and urban plan: Ruins of defensive walls and street layouts outline the extent of the planned city established in the Visigothic period.
• Stratified archaeological remains: Archaeological trenches and visible foundations show later reutilisation and partial continuity into the early medieval period under Islamic rule.