Via de la Plata

Since Pre-Roman times the people who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula sought look for the best natural approaches to allow them to travel from one area to another. Between these ways were known the ones that linked the south with northern lands and the norther lands of vetones and Lusitanos, routes that have led, first to the Carthginians and then the Romans, the colonozation of Andalusia and Lusitania. After the Roman conquests, the economic and strategic importance of these places pushed the empire building of roads that would facilitate better communication. Thus born the route linking Emerita Augusta (Mérida) with Asturica Augusta (Astorga) to the north and Hispalis (Sevilla) to the south.

The construction of this Roman paved road led  the construction of mansions known as stops that  are located at 25 Roman miles (about 35km) from each other throughout the route. The route was marked in Roman miles (1.468m), with signs of stone called milestones, many of which are still visible along the route.

This Roman road has been called with different names through the ages, conserving currently  the one used by the Arabs, Via de la Plata, which comes from the word "balata", which means to pave or flooring.

Since the Middle Ages and after the appearance of  St. James´ tomb, Vía de la Plata was used by Christians that went in a pilgrimage from southern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. for this Mozarabic way. From the thirteenth century the Mesta also used the route for the transhumance of the herds pasture looking south in winter.

In the early nineteenth century, Via de la Plata was used in its invasion by the French, who praised its good condition state that in time would be lost in many places, either by disuse or destruction to build the N -630, which is the main  contemporary communication route of the west peninsular.

Via de la Plata regains its old role as it passes through Extremadura and becomes today, after its value, in a cultural and tourist option for those wishing to travel by this road.