National Roman Legion Museum

Step back in time at the National Roman Legion Museum and explore life in a far-flung outpost of the mighty Roman Empire.

Wales was the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire. In AD 75, the Romans built a fortress at Caerleon that would guard the region for over 200 years.

Built in 1850, the museum became part of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales in 1930. Today at Caerleon you can learn what made the Romans a formidable force and how life wouldn't be the same without them. You'll be able to see Exhibitions and Artefacts that show us how they lived, fought, worshipped and died.

Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of our beautiful Roman Garden. At weekends and school holidays, children can step back in time in a full-sized barrack room, try on replica armour and experience the life of a Roman soldier. We pride ourselves on our award winning Educational facilities and Family Fun area.

Caerleon was one of only three permanent fortresses in Roman Britain. The museum lies inside what remains of the fortress. The Ruins include the most complete amphitheatre in Britain and the only remains of a Roman Legionary barracks on view anywhere in Europe.

The National Roman Legion Museum researches, preserves and displays half a million objects from the Roman fortresses of Caerleon (Isca), Usk (Burrium) and their environs. It is an internationally important collection which provides evidence for life in two major Roman military bases, as well as life in civilian settlements that grew up around them.

Caerleon is near Newport, within easy reach of Cardiff, Bristol and the Severn Bridge.