The Gateway to the East Route invites you to explore this fascinating history, tracing the footsteps of the ancient Phoenicians along the beautiful Mediterranean coast of Andalusia. From ancient Phoenician ruins to picturesque fishing villages, there is much to discover on this journey through time.
The Mediterranean coast of Andalusia was highly favoured by various ancient cultures, such as the Phoenicians, who established settlements at the river mouths that communicated with the inland regions controlled by indigenous populations. The allure of fishing, trade, and the fair climate particularly attracted these Mediterranean peoples.
These Phoenician settlements grew into prosperous trading centres, exchanging local goods such as salt, fish, and minerals with other cultures across the Mediterranean. Over time, these Phoenician colonies blended with the indigenous populations, creating a rich cultural mix that has left its mark on the region to this day.
Almeria, a city nestled in the Andalusian region of southern Spain, boasts a history that is both long and rich. For centuries, Almeria was under the rule of the Moors, transforming it into a significant cultural and political hub in the eastern Mediterranean.
During the Bronze Age, Almeria served as a crucial trading port, attracting a host of ambitious rulers who left their indelible marks on the city. The city's strategic location and natural harbour made it a coveted possession for those seeking to control trade routes and resources.
Near Santa Fe de Mondújar, the prehistoric site of Los Millares with its complex walls, forts and group sepulchres express how important the control of metal resources was right from the beginning. The remains of the city of Bayyana (Pechina) are from a very much later date. It was a trading republic during the 10th century that dealt in slaves, pottery and regional products.
Today, the site of Los Millares offers a unique window into the past, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the world as it was thousands of years ago. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the ancient world, a visit to Los Millares is sure to be a memorable experience. For more information about the site and to plan your visit, please click here.
Almería, with its impressive Alcazaba, is a living testament to the region's rich history. From its ancient walls to its narrow cobbled streets, the city offers a fascinating journey through time. The construction of the fortified complex began in 955 by order of Abd ar-Rahman III, the first Umayyad Caliph of Córdoba. The Alcazaba was built on the remains of a pre-existing fortress.
During the early years of the 10th century, as the nearby city of Bayyana declined, the port of Almería, beneath the watchtower of the Alcazaba, started to grow. Over time, the Alcazaba was enlarged under caliph Al-Mansur and later under Al-Jairan, the first king of the independent Taifa of Almería.
Today, Almería's Alcazaba stands as one of the most important testimonies of Al-Andalus and is the largest Muslim citadel built in Spain. For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Almería and its Alcazaba, you can find more information and plan your visit by clicking here.
Along the coast of Granada, near Almuñécar, the ancient Sexi, there are remains of Phoenician and Punic necropolises at Puente de Noy and vestiges of an aqueduct and a large Roman well (Cueva de los Siete Palacios). The museum in Granada has the best finds from the Phoenician burials in the area, including articles of Egyptian alabaster from the 9th century BC, and Greek and Phoenician vessels from the 8th century BC.
The Cueva de los Siete Palacios, or Cave of the Seven Palaces, is a subterranean cavity consisting of a large stone vault along with seven smaller ones. Today, it houses the Archaeological Museum of Almuñécar. Its origins date back to the 1st century AD during the Roman period. The cave was occupied by all phases from the Bronze Age to the modern era, when it was used as a midden. It has been a Site of Cultural Interest since 1931.
The Puente de Noy is an ancient Phoenician burial ground of 132 tombs dating back to the 8th century BC. The tombs consist of large rectangular graves dug into the rocky hillside where the deceased would be buried along with symbolic earthly belongings such as jewelry and shrouds. The site is a popular destination of archaeologists and is along the "Route of the Phoenicians" as designated by the European Union.
Here are some of the places mentioned that you can visit:
Further along the coast in the province of Malaga, there is a magnificent cave at Nerja. Not far at Torrox, beside the lighthouse, there are remains of a Roman villa with baths, ovens, and some mosaics. At Jardín, Vélez-Málaga coast, there are Phoenician tombs and at Trayamar - Algarrobo coast, there is a hypogean (underground) tomb built with large ashlars. Inland, there are remains of Phoenician settlements.
The Necrópolis Fenicia del Jardín, located about 300 meters north of Toscanos, is one of the largest Phoenician cemeteries in southeastern Spain. It is traditionally associated with the population of the last moments of Toscanos, but its bulk would correspond to that of Cerro del Mar. Generally, it has been dated between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, although the oldest phases are the best known.
The Phoenicians were the first civilization to establish a settlement in Malaga, around 770 BC. They established a trading post and called the city 'Malaka'. The Phoenician civilization came from what is now the area of Lebanon and Syria, next to the Mediterranean Sea. They, under the lack of fertile soil on their territories, oriented their activities to the sea. With time this experience was perfected, making them being able to sail great distances.
The Phoenicians had great influence on Iberia with the introduction of Iron and the production of olive oil and wine. They left an important cultural legacy throughout the Mediterranean, in which they were the great traders in the ancient world. As time went by, these trade routes led to settlements, where they not only supplied themselves with raw materials but also processed them.
Here are some of the places mentioned that you can visit:
Our itinerary this time is within Almeria, Granada and Malaga:
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