Caerwent Roman Town, Caerwent, Monmouthshire
Caerwent Roman Town is an archaeological delight just 5 miles from Chepstow; even those who aren’t particularly interested in history should be impressed as this gives you a real sense of how people lived here almost 2,000 years ago.
Caerwent was an important settlement of the Silures tribe and was founded as the market town of Venta Silurum in 75AD; such testament is borne by the ‘Civtas Silurum’ stone on display in the village church. The current village is built around, and in parts on top of, the Roman ruins, which are among the best preserved in Europe. You can clearly see a big section of the town wall, with part of it standing 17ft high; within the walls the town was laid out in the familiar grid system, with foundations of the forum and basilica and a 4th century Romano British temple visible. The excavated town houses include a quite large one that had two courtyards, and a living area with brightly painted walls and mosaic floors, heated by a hypocaust system which is plainly evident. Seriously interesting; go and see it.
Open 1st Apr-31 Mar daily 10.00am – 4.00pm entrance is free, dogs on leads are welcome.
All information correct at the time of writing