Villa Romana La Olmeda is a well-preserved ancient Roman villa located in the town of Saldaña, in the province of Palencia, Spain. The villa dates back to the 4th century AD and was discovered in 1968 by a local farmer who was plowing his fields. The villa was built by a wealthy Roman family and is believed to have been used as a country retreat.
The villa covers an area of approximately 4,000 square meters and consists of several buildings arranged around a central courtyard. The main building, which is the largest and most impressive, is decorated with beautiful mosaics depicting scenes from Roman mythology and daily life. The mosaics are considered to be some of the finest examples of Roman art in Spain.
In addition to the main building, there are several smaller buildings that were used for various purposes, such as a bathhouse, a stable, and a granary. The villa also had a large garden with fountains, statues, and a fishpond.
The villa was abandoned in the 5th century AD and was eventually buried under several feet of soil. It was rediscovered in the 20th century and has since been excavated and restored. Today, visitors can explore the villa and admire its beautiful mosaics and other architectural features. The site also has a museum where visitors can learn more about the history of the villa and the Roman Empire.