The Roman Temple of Vic (Spain).
Vic, a historic town in Catalonia, Spain, has a past that stretches all the way back to Roman times, when it was known as Ausona. Founded sometime between the late Republican period (2nd–1st century BC) and the early days of the Roman Empire (1st century AD), Ausona was an important settlement in the province of Hispania Tarraconensis. Thanks to its location along key trade and communication routes, the town developed into a thriving community with well-planned streets, public buildings, and temples.
One of the most striking remains from this period is the Roman Temple of Vic. Built in the 1st or 2nd century AD, this well-preserved structure gives us a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. Historians are still unsure which god or goddess the temple was dedicated to, but it stood in a sacred area (temenos) where people gathered to make offerings and take part in religious ceremonies. Sitting on one of the highest points of Auso, the temple would have been a significant part of the city’s landscape.
The temple only survived thanks to the way it was reused over the centuries. During the Middle Ages, it was completely enclosed within the Castell dels Montcada, a fortress built by the influential Montcada family. Over time, it was used as a noble residence, a granary, and even a prison. Its true identity was forgotten until 1882, when restoration work uncovered its original structure. Since then, it has been recognized as one of the best-preserved Roman temples in Catalonia, offering a direct link to Vic’s Roman past.
