Roman Ruins
Caerleon was one of only three permanent fortresses in Roman Britain
known as Isca to the Romans, the fortress itself was a playing-card shape, covering 50 acres of land in which the Museum now lies.
Just a few minutes walk from the galleries takes you to the most complete Amphitheatre in Britain, beautifully presented Fortress Baths, and the only remains of a Roman Legionary Barracks on view anywhere in Europe.
The eye-catching excavations include an open-air swimming pool (natatio) and cold bath suite (frigidarium), which represent only a portion of the vast original structure.
The building of the amphitheatre started in AD 90 outside the fortress walls, and it remains an impressive sight today.
A timber grandstand would have seated some 6,000 and, standing in its centre, you can imagine the sights and sounds and the baying crowds. It could have been used for various games, military and religious festivals, or as a training or parade ground.
The Caerleon Roman Fortress remains are jointly managed by CADW who carry out the statutory responsibilities of the National Assembly for Wales for protecting, conserving and promoting ancient monuments and historic buildings in Wales.