Roman Baetica Route – travel ancient Rome in Andalusia

Can you imagine walking along the Roman road of the ancient Via Augusta? The Betic Route crosses the territories of Seville, Cordoba, and Cadiz, which were part of the Roman Empire between the 3rd century BC and the 5th century AD. Along these routes, you can still find stunning natural areas and an impressive architectural heritage, including the Puerta de Sevilla in Carmona, the walls of Marchena, the city of Italica in Santiponce, the architecture of Cordoba, and the magnificent Roman Theatre of Cadiz. Would you like to discover it?

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Roman Baetica Route

Marvel at the legacy of the Roman Empire in the Seville region

The city of Carmona is home to an exciting Roman archaeological heritage. Julius Caesar referred to it as “the strongest city in Baetica”. The Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla forms an almost unbreakable defensive complex. A signposted route allows you to discover the whole history of the fortification and access corners such as the Torre del Oro (Gold Tower), where you can get a fabulous panoramic view of the city. Écija, meanwhile, preserves an important legacy of religious architecture from the imperial period. The Municipal History Museum is housed in the Palacio de Benamejí, a jewel of Spanish Baroque civil architecture. It displays mosaics, sculptures, capitals and collections of inscriptions from Roman times. In the courtyard of the Church of Santa María, you will also be captivated by the Parish Museum, with a large exhibition of prehistoric, Roman and Arab artifacts.

Representation of Roman daily life, Santiponce, Seville, Andalusia

Marchena is a beautiful city located between two hills, the river Corbones and streams that irrigate its fertile lands. In this town, you can admire its Roman walls stretching 2,400 metres in perimeter, which still preserve entrances such as the Arco de la Rosa, the Puerta de Morón and the Puerta de Carmona. Just 30 kilometres away is Osuna, whose Archaeological Museum, housed in an Almohad tower, displays striking collections of Roman glassware and ceramics. Many of the pieces were discovered in the town’s necropolis, which is also well worth a visit. Finally, travel back in time to Italica, the first city established by the Romans outside the Italian peninsula. To do so, you should visit Santiponce, a town of special charm which is also part of the Vía de la Plata Route. The baths of the House of Exedra and the House of Neptune, the mosaics of the House of the Birds, the Traianeum, a temple dedicated to the emperor Trajan, one of the largest amphitheatres of the empire and the imposing Roman Theatre await you there.

Calle San Pedro, Osuna, Sevilla, Andalucía

Discover Cordoba's Roman temples and museums

With the Guadalquivir River running through it, the wealth of Cordoba historically comes from its location by the river and the bustling activity in the surrounding countryside, which boosted trade and later helped shape its artistic importance. In the capital city of Cordoba, the iconic Roman Bridge spanning the river stands out as one of the main gateways to the city. The impressive remains of the Temple of Claudius Marcellus stand out for their massive scale, alongside the Roman mausoleums dating back to the 1st century. In the southeast of the province, Almedinilla invites you to visit its archaeological sites, such as the Roman Villa of El Ruedo and the Iberian settlement of El Cerro de la Cruz. Its Historical-Archaeological Museum provides insight into the preserved Roman imperial art. The 'Pleasures of the Roman Table', held every weekend, are popular for offering meals that recreate the flavours of the empire.

Archaeological Park of Torreparedones, Baena, Cordoba, Andalusia

Almodóvar del Río is another emblematic place to discover Roman ruins. The Castle of Almodóvar is almost a fortified town, strategically located to control the valley territory. Another important enclave is Montoro. You’ll be impressed by the well-preserved old town and traditional architecture, with houses that seem to hang precariously on the slopes above the Guadalquivir River. You can also enjoy areas such as the Cardeña Natural Park, home to protected species such as the Iberian lynx, the wolf and the imperial eagle. At Puente Genil, the second largest municipality in Cordoba, you will find remains of buildings that bear evidence of the imprint of the empire in the Roman Villa of Fuente Álamo. Similarly, Baena harbours an ancient cultural attraction. In the Torreparedones Archaeological Park you can see the remains of Roman monuments such as a forum, three thermal baths, a market and a temple.

View of the Guadalquivir River in Montoro, Cordoba, Andalusia

Complete your imperial journey before the Bay of Cadiz

To complete this fascinating journey through Roman Andalucía, a stop in the Bay of Cadiz is essential, where the city of Cadiz – the capital of the province – is located. In the city, you can explore everything from its evocative Roman Theatre – one of the largest and oldest on the Iberian Peninsula – to an ancient fish-salting factory and the remains of an aqueduct. The Museum of Cadiz showcases the wealth brought by various civilizations that passed through the area – not just the Romans. Its impressive cathedral, a blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, along with the Castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina, are among the city’s other notable landmarks. Embark on the Roman Baetica Route, a journey of flavors that also invites you to discover Andalusian cuisine – from fine extra virgin olive oil to spinach with chickpeas, salmorejo and Montilla-Moriles wines from Cordoba and shrimp fritters from Cadiz. On this route. you will also find special accommodation such as the Paradores de Turismo in Carmona, Cadiz and Cordoba.

Roman Baetica Route: A journey to ancient Rome in Andalusia

Marvel at the legacy of the Roman Empire in the Seville region

Discover Cordoba's Roman temples and museums

Complete your imperial journey before the Bay of Cadiz