What to see in the Ruins of Italica, a Roman city near Seville

About 15 kilometers from the center of the city of Seville, in the town of Santiponce, we find the remains of a Roman city founded in 206 BC, although much earlier remains of other peoples who established their residence there have been found. place.

Itálica was a very important city of the Roman Empire, with the capacity to mint money, and some of the most important emperors such as Trajan or Hadrian were born there.

Today we can admire some very interesting ruins where a Theater and an Amphitheater stand out above all else.

What to see in the Archaeological Ensemble of Italica

First of all, we have to recommend you to do this excursion to Itálica in which you will be able to get to know this archaeological complex in a very special way.

When you visit Itálica you will be able to walk through its ancient streets and discover what life was like in a city of Ancient Rome through its buildings

You will also be able to understand the relationship it had with Hispalis (the name by which Seville was known) and be surprised by the fabulous communications network designed by the Romans.

Next to the entrance to the enclosure is the Museum, where we can see some pieces from the excavations, although the bulk of them are on display in the Archaeological Museum of Seville.

From there you can go to visit the different parts of the enclosure.

The Amphitheater is undoubtedly the most outstanding and best-known monument in Italica. It was one of the largest in the Roman Empire and its 3-level stands could hold up to 25,000 spectators. Surprising walk through the pits where the beasts and gladiators were located.

Nova Urbs will be the next destination. This is the expansion of the city driven by Hadrian and of which a large part of the wall is still preserved.

Among cypresses you can walk through its paved streets and be surprised by the water supply and sewage network, which included an aqueduct that carried water to the city’s fountains through lead pipes that started from the cisterns.

The last destination of the water was the sewers.

Related to water are the Major Baths, still under excavation, but the best thing about this part of the city are the houses, such as the House of the Exedra, the House of Neptune, the House of the Birds or the House of the Planetarium. These houses had an interior patio as a characteristic, precursors of the later Andalusian patios.

Another essential place is the Temple of Trajan, also called Traianeum, which is no less than one hectare in size.

Outside the enclosure of the Archaeological Ensemble of Italica there are also other important places related to it, such as the Roman Theater, located in the urban center of Santiponce. It dates from the 1st century and although it has suffered periods of great abandonment, the Santiponce Theater Festival is currently held there.

You can find more information on the official website of the Archaeological Ensemble of Italica.

Photos: wikipedia.org