Roman Ruins of Cáparra (especially the Arch of Cáparra)

Cáparra is an ancient Roman city in Spain, covering an approximate area of 12 hectares, although the wall encompasses a larger territory of about 16 hectares.

Cáparra was smaller and less important than other Roman cities on the Iberian Peninsula, but it was one of the main urban centers between the Tajo River and the Sierra de Gredos, along with Caurium (Coria), Augustóbriga (Talavera la Vieja), and Egitania (Idanha-a-Velha).

Its urban organization corresponds to an orthogonal layout, with the main axis being the Vía de la Plata, which runs through it from north to south.

The name of the city is not of Latin origin, but rather pre-Roman, probably Vetton, like the origin of the settlement itself. It is known by other names, such as: Capara, Cappara, Capera, and Kapasa.

The famous tetrapylon (arch) is the most important building that has survived to this day. It is a quadriforium arch, the only one of its kind in Spain. It is located in the center of the city, bordered by the Forum, public baths, and other main monuments. It is very likely that the two main streets, the Cardo and the Decumanus, converged here. It measures 8.60 by 7.35 meters at its base, with an estimated original height of 13.30 meters.

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