Roman Towns of Baetica Route
When the Romans organised the south of the Iberian Peninsula they created the province of Baetica, one of the richest and most thoroughly Romanised regions of the Empire. Its fertile plains, olive oil, metals and position on the Guadalquivir (the ancient Baetis) made it both an economic powerhouse and a showcase of Roman urban life. Today the province still preserves some of the finest Roman remains in Spain.
Cordoba – capital of Baetica
Founded as a Roman settlement and later raised to colonial status, Cordoba (Colonia Patricia Corduba) became the capital of the province of Baetica under Augustus. It was an important administrative, commercial and cultural centre. Visible reminders of this period include the Roman bridge across the Guadalquivir and the remains of a large temple in the city centre.
Seville and the lower Guadalquivir
The fertile valley of the Guadalquivir was the economic heart of Baetica, famous above all for its olive oil, which was exported in vast quantities to Rome and the rest of the Empire. The Archaeological Museum of Seville holds the finest collection of Roman material from the region, much of it from Italica.
Italica (Santiponce)
Founded in 206 BC by Scipio Africanus after the defeat of the Carthaginians at Ilipa, Italica is the oldest Roman settlement in Spain. It was the birthplace of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. The site is outstanding for its well-preserved amphitheatre (one of the largest in the Empire, seating around 25,000), theatre, baths, paved streets and superb mosaic floors still in situ. Because the modern town of Santiponce only partially covers the ancient city, large areas of the “nova urbs” can still be explored.
Hispalis (Seville)
Roman Seville (Hispalis) was an important river port. Impressive columns that once belonged to a major temple still stand in Calle Mármoles, giving a sense of the scale of public architecture in the city.
Carmona (Carmo)
Strategically placed on a ridge overlooking the plain, Carmona preserves substantial Roman remains, including city gates, a large hypogean necropolis and traces of an amphitheatre. The local museum helps interpret the site.
Ecija (Astigi) and Osuna (Urso)
Both were significant towns of the fertile plain. Astigi (Ecija) became the centre of one of the four judicial districts (conventus) of Baetica and was an important point on the Via Augusta. Osuna retains remains of a necropolis and has a local museum with Roman material.
Suggested stops in the Seville area
- Seville (Hispalis)
- Italica
- Carmona
- Ecija
- Osuna
Malaga – Malaca
Roman Malaca developed on the site of the earlier Phoenician settlement of Malaka. After the Roman conquest of the area it became an important coastal town of Hispania Ulterior (later Baetica). The most visible monument is the Roman Theatre in the historic centre, built in the early imperial period and rediscovered in the mid-20th century. Other remains continue to appear during urban works.
Ronda and Acinipo
The dramatic modern town of Ronda occupies a spectacular gorge-top position that has been settled since prehistoric times. The principal Roman city of the district, however, was Acinipo (often called Ronda la Vieja), a short distance away. There the remains of a theatre and other public buildings can still be seen in an open landscape.
Huelva and the Riotinto mines
In the far west of Baetica the Romans intensively exploited the rich mineral deposits of the Riotinto area. Large-scale mining for copper, silver and other metals left a dramatic industrial landscape that can still be visited today. The wealth generated by these mines contributed significantly to the prosperity of the province and of the wider Empire.
Exploring the Roman towns of Baetica from Malaga
The major sites are spread across the provinces of Seville, Cordoba, Malaga and Huelva. A car gives the greatest flexibility for combining Italica, Carmona, Cordoba and the coastal remains at Malaga.
Car hire: the most flexible option
Hiring a car at Malaga Airport allows you to visit Italica, Carmona, Cordoba and other key Roman sites of Baetica at your own pace.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
Taxi or private transfer
If you prefer not to drive, private transfers can take you to Seville or Cordoba as a base for exploring the main Roman sites.
Book a transfer from Malaga Airport*There is no need to enter credit card details or make an advance payment. We recommend booking in good time.
Frequently asked questions
What was Baetica?
Baetica was the Roman province that covered most of modern Andalusia. It was one of the richest and most thoroughly Romanised provinces of the Empire, famous for its olive oil, metals and urban culture.
Why is Italica so important?
It is the oldest Roman city in Spain, the birthplace of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian, and preserves one of the largest amphitheatres in the Roman world together with excellent mosaics and public buildings.
Can I visit the Roman theatre in Malaga?
Yes. The Roman Theatre stands in the heart of Malaga’s historic centre at the foot of the Alcazaba and is open to visitors.
Is a car necessary for this route?
It is highly recommended. The main sites are spread across several provinces and a car allows you to combine Italica, Carmona, Cordoba and Malaga efficiently.
