""The Fortress of the Legion"" a Caerleon Travel Page by M0B1US

The name Caerleon literally stands for 'The Fortress of the Legion' in Welsh, and the present day town stands on the archaeological remains of the Roman Legionary Fort of Isca.

It was one of the most important military sites in Britain under the Roman Empire and was the home of the 2nd Augustan Legion, housing 6000 soldiers, horsemen, an amphitheatre, baths, shops and temples.

Today it is the most varied and fascinating Roman site in Britain offering a host of attractions such as the Fortress Baths, The Roman Legionary Museum, the amphitheatre and the barracks.

However the attractions don't just stop at the Roman remains, with a picturesque 'villagey' feel to it and plenty of historic pubs and restaurants.

Well, you're obviously here for the Roman remains...

Best place to park is in the centre of town outside the Roman Baths museum.

From there you can make your way up the road past the tourist information centre to the excellent Roman Legionary Museum.

A short walk west takes you to the Roman Amphitheatre and Barracks.

After the sightseeing, why not stop for a bite to eat in the Priory opposite the baths or a little down the road in the delightful courtyard of The Ffwrrwm, or the historic Hanbury Arms on the banks of the river Usk.

Caerleon is the centrepiece of my self-styled 'Roman Triangle' of attractions with Newport Museum and the Roman city of Venta Silurum in nearby Caerwent making up the other 2/3rds...

Just 3 miles N of Newport and 12 miles NE of Cardiff, Caerleon is best visited by car though there is also an open topped sightseeing bus service operating out of Newport which visits all the main sights in the Newport-Caerleon area.

Once in Caerleon, all the sights are nicely clumped within a few hundred metres of each other and so it is easy to enjoy it by walking around town.

The best place to park in town would be outside the Roman baths which is free.

MAP