Ruta de la Plata

Zamora and its province did not go unnoticed by the first settlers of the area. Vacceos, Romans and Visigoths all knew how to exploit of the strategic location of the province and did not hesitate to settle there. Numerous vestiges of these ancient settlements remain preserved today for the vistor to see.

Small communities from the Neolithic Age, the First Iron Age or the pre-Roman era of the Astur tribes are clear examples of the ancient settlements found in the province and which can still be enjoyed in the valleys of Órbigo, Eria and Vidriales, in the areas surrounding the Sierra de las Carpurias. Zamora was also important in the era of the Roman Empire. In fact, during Roman domination, Zamora, Ocellum Durii, became a rest stop on the well-known Vía de la Plata. The Roman empire also left its mark in regions such as Sayago or the valley of Vidriales, where the Legio X (Tenth Legion) Gemina settled, again taking advantage of its strategic position.

After this period, it cannot be assured that the city was occupied by the Moslems, but it is known that the name of Zamora is derived from the Arabic word Zamarat, which means emerald, a mistake caused by the abundance of variscite, a green stone which was worked in the deposits found throughout the province.

However, Zamora came into real importance between the 10th and 13th centuries. It was during this time that the actual city of today was founded and the vast majority of the monuments still preserved were erected. The Zamora of simple, yet beautiful Romanesque style, of outstanding and unique buildings, such as its Byzantine dome; the Zamora of legend, of the Lusitanian shepherd, Viriato, of the adventures of el Cid, gathered together in the Spanish epic poem; all this is what is reflected in its people and what lends character to its lands.

In short, Zamora is a city of traditions and ancient customs, which its inhabitants try to preserve so as not to lose their identity or their past.