Astorga between Roman Times and Chocolate History

Astorga offers a range of cultural themes for a stay: Roman remains, museums, remarkable buildings and regional cuisine. Its places and stories each focus on different aspects—from archaeological finds and architecture to the development of chocolate making. You can shape your visit around the topics that interest you most.

Roman Route and Archaeological Finds

The guided Roman Route takes you to archaeological remains preserved in Astorga’s historic centre. It begins at the Roman Museum and runs through the centre. Stops include a section of the moat that formed part of the defences of the camp of Legio X Gemina. The route combines a walk through the historic centre with a specific aspect of Roman military history.

The Roman Museum brings together finds from archaeological excavations in Astorga and the surrounding area. It also displays the Pompeian wall paintings discovered by José María Luengo. The museum is housed above a vaulted portico traditionally known as the “Ergástula.” This was part of a building in the centre of the ancient city’s forum. The museum site thus brings together the history of the excavated finds and the traditional name of an architectural feature.

Architecture and Museum Collections

The Palacio de Gaudí is a Neo-Gothic building with features reminiscent of a castle, a stately residence and a temple. It has housed the Museo de los Caminos since 1964. A panoramic lift provides access to the Palacio Escondido and the four terraces of the Palacio de Gaudí. The architecture, museum and areas mentioned here represent different aspects of the same building.

The Cathedral Museum also preserves a distinctive example of the region’s art history: the Arqueta de San Genadio is an example of 10th-century Asturian pre-Romanesque goldsmithing. Its name, date and art-historical classification give this object a different focus from the Roman finds and the collections in the Palacio de Gaudí.

The Museo del Chocolate documents Astorga’s chocolate industry from the 18th to the 20th century and the transition from artisanal production to mechanisation. Its building is also connected with this theme: the elegant early-20th-century mansion served as the home, warehouse and factory of chocolatier Magín Rubio. This links industrial development with the building’s different former uses, without equating the history of the building with the development of the entire industry.

Local Cuisine and Culinary History

The first written mention of Mantecadas de Astorga is documented in 1805. The date refers to the written mention, not the start of production. The Cocido Maragato is another well-known local speciality to try as part of a culinary stay: first, seven types of meat are served, followed by chickpeas and, to finish, soup and dessert.

Cocido Maragato and other local specialities can be sampled at restaurants in the municipality of Astorga. The prescribed serving order helps distinguish Cocido from other meals featuring similar ingredients. If you are interested in regional cuisine, this gives you a tangible culinary connection to the municipality, alongside the stories behind its museums and buildings.

Festivals and Historical Connections

Astorga’s Semana Santa has been documented since the 16th century and was designated a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2011. The two dates serve different purposes: the 16th century refers to its documented history, while 2011 marks the designation.

The Astures y Romanos programme features historical re-enactments at various locations around the city. These include a Roman circus, the reception of Caesar, a victory procession, a Roman market and Asturian-Roman cuisine days. Specific programme events may vary. Along with the remains of Legio X Gemina, the programme offers another connection to Astorga’s Roman past, while Semana Santa has its own religious focus, documented over several centuries.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Castrillo De Los Polvazares, Combarros, Villaturiel, Destriana, Orellán, Vegaquemada, Rabanal de Fenar, Hospital De Órbigo

For the overarching travel overview: León.