Centro Interpretación Via de la Carisa

Centro Interpretación Vía de la Carisa (CIVICA) is a small themed museum in Aller, Asturias, dedicated to the Roman Vía Carisa — the first and most important road built by the Romans in this part of Spain. The center stands in the village of La Enfistiella (La Fistiel.la), just off the AE-3 road, and has been open since 2019.

What was the Vía Carisa, and why does it deserve its own museum?

The Vía Carisa was a Roman road connecting the interior of the Iberian Peninsula with the Asturian coast. It was built on the orders of Publius Carisius, legate of Emperor Octavian Augustus, who governed the region between 26 and 22 BC. The road was constructed during the Roman conquest of the Astur-Cantabrian peoples and gave Rome fast access to the region's resources, including its mineral deposits. The interpretation center in Aller was created to explain this history to visitors, along with the archaeological findings tied to the route, including the remains of Roman military camps scattered along its course.

What can visitors see inside?

The exhibition is organized into four thematic areas plus a central room designed to place the visitor inside the world of the Roman road's construction and use. Among the pieces on display are replicas of objects recovered from archaeological digs connected to the Vía Carisa, including material found at former Roman military camp sites. The center also includes a dedicated space for younger visitors, where children can step into the role of archaeologist for the day and explore replica finds hands-on.

How do you plan a visit?

CIVICA is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 to 14:30 and from 16:00 to 18:30. Admission to the permanent exhibition is free. Groups can arrange a guided tour, but this requires booking in advance by phone at +34 984 49 28 07 or by email at civica@aller.es. It's worth reserving ahead of time, especially for larger groups, since guided visits are scheduled individually.

Who is this place for?

The center works best as a stop alongside a trip through the mountain landscapes of Aller, appealing to visitors interested in Roman history, the region's mining and industrial archaeology, and the traces of ancient communication routes across Asturias. Thanks to its children's area, it also makes for a good family outing that blends learning with hands-on play. Since opening in 2019, the center has welcomed more than 4,300 visitors, making it one of the recognizable cultural landmarks of the Aller municipality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is admission to the center free? Yes, visiting the permanent exhibition at CIVICA is free of charge.

Which days is the center open? The center is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 to 14:30 and from 16:00 to 18:30.

Can you book a guided tour? Yes, guided visits for organized groups are available by prior booking, either by phone (+34 984 49 28 07) or email (civica@aller.es).

What was the Vía Carisa? It was a Roman road linking the interior of the Iberian Peninsula with the Asturian coast, built on the orders of legate Publius Carisius during the reign of Octavian Augustus, between 26 and 22 BC.