Roman city of Italica, Seville

Travel back in time to the days when the Romans ruled Spain with this fascinating afternoon tour to Italica, a ruined city just 10km outside Seville. Despite the passing of more than 2,000 years of history and more the more recent creeping growth of the suburbs, Italica retains a series of well-preserved buildings, theatres, roads and mosaics. It was an important centre in its day, being the birthplace of at least two Roman emperors.

Learn about the role of Italica in the colonisation of Hispania, from its foundation in 206BC by Scipio the African to its eventual abandonment. At the time located on the banks of the River Guadalquivir, it flourished for centuries and this wealth was reflected in grandiose public buildings such as the amphitheatre. Emperors Hadrian and Trajan were both born in Italica and it is claimed that another may also have been a native. However, a shift in the river’s course caused decline in favour of Seville and thus preserved Italica better than if she had been built over. Archaeological excavations began in the 1750s and have continued ever since.

Among the sights the tour highlights are the walls, the theatre, the Temple of Trajan, the amphitheatre – where epic naval battles were staged – the springs and the ruins of villas such as the House of the Hylas, the House of Neptune and House of Exedra as well as a luxurious residential complex full of mosaics, statues and marbles from Greece and Mauritania.

Meeting point: Hotel pick-up or at pre-arranged location when booking.
Times: Afternoon tour lasting three-and-a-half hours.
Languages: English, French and Spanish.

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

Guided tour

Appropriate age for child ticket from 6 to 11 years