RECCOPOLIS

Reccopolis was a Visgothic era city commissioned by King Liuvigild in 578 to commemorate the consolidation of royal power and of the State known as the Visigothic Kingdom of Toledo. The city was named in honour of his youngest son, the future King Reccared.

The large city was the only new one built at the time. It had splendid buildings and was built to an urban hierarchical plan that divided it into several areas: the palace, the commercial area, the housing quarters, the city-wall and the suburbs.

Reccopolis had a vibrant and evolving existence with transformations and urban changes that unfolded throughout the Visigothic period (late sixth- early eighth century) and the primitive Andalusian period (early eighth century- first half of nineth century). During the middle of the nineth century after the city had been abandoned, its remains were used as a quarry to build the new Andalusi city of Zorita. Towards the end of the twelfth century, after the consolidation of the Christian conquest over these territories, a small peasant community settled on the upper hill and took advantage of the Visigothic remains to build a church and a group of houses.

Aerial view of the Reccopolis site
Aerial view of the Reccopolis site with the Tajo river on the right.
Visigothic currency, known as tremís. On the left, obverse with the schematic figure of the profile of King Leovigild and the legend "Leovigild". On the right, the reverse with a schematic figure of a winged Victory and the Latin legend "Illustrious King".
Visigoth coin, called tremís. On the left, obverse with the schematic figure of the profile of King Leovigild and the legend "Leovigild". On the right, the reverse with a schematic figure of a winged Victory and the Latin legend "Illustrious King".
Aerial view of the Reccopolis site of the excavated space. From the entrance, through the lower part you reach the basilica and hermitage. The visit continues along the path to the left and reaches the main street with the tabernae on both sides. Then you reach the monumental gate and the square with the palatine complex.
Aerial zenithal view showing the entire excavated space. The palace complex on the right, the main street with the tabernae on both sides and the dwellings behind.

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Reccopolis site plan Back to the main Reccopolis site map

THE VISIT CONTINUES

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