Countless Roman ruins are found along the road leading from Seville to Gijon. These are the legacy of a trade route in the west of the Iberian peninsula dating from the times of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Today they are make up an important trail of great cultural heritage known as la Ruta de la Plata, the Silver Trail.

The route linked the Cantabrian coast with the lands of southern Spain and for many centuries was a main communications route. Originally it encouraged the spread of Roman culture, while allowing the Roman Empire to control their conquered territories. Later, during the Middle Ages, it was used by Arabs and Christians alike. The ruins of Italica de Santiponce, Carmona, Fuente de Cantos, Merida, Caceres, Bejar, Salamanca, Benavente, Leon, Mieres and Gijon are some of the essential stepping stones along this great journey.