Italica Roman City Ruins – by Motorhome

Just north of Seville, a short detour from the main A66 motorway, lies the town of Santiponce but this unimposing urban blob provides the gateway to some of the finest Roman remains in Spain, Italica.

Most of the earlier Roman town, originally a port on the river Guadalquivir  lies beneath this modern town but we have to thank the Roman Emperor Hadrian for the magnificent remains of Italica, which though they did not escape vandalism and looting of the stone, nevertheless provide  an amazing insight into the Roman Empire. The amphitheatre is definitely the highlight.

The only remaining building in the town is the theatre, off of Calle la Feria, which is definitely worth a visit but I would suggest you visit this first with the piece de resistance being the main ruins.

Entry into the ruins is  a couple of euros and is free for EU residents and we were not asked to provide any proof, other than confirm our country of origin.

There were quite a few tour parties, mainly of children, escorted by guides dressed in Roman clothing but it was not difficult to avoid these.

There was plenty of parking for a  motorhome in May and we were directed to a spot with the tour buses by a gentleman who we gave a euro to. We were not quite sure whether he was official or not or just one of these guys who ' will look after your car guv or senior'

It is possible to get a bus from the Plaza de Armas in Seville to Italica but do not expect any buses on Sunday and fewer on Saturday.

A good morning will give you plenty of opportunity to explore the ruins.

The ruins are closed on a Monday.

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