Description
Roman settlements near Seville as Itálica founded by Scipio the Elder or the villages of Carmona, Marchena, Ecija or Osuna were already described by the geographer Teóphorus at the end of the 2nd century AC. The Bética-Romana route connects Hispalis (Seville) with Corduba (Córdoba) and with Gades (Cádiz) and left many trails along the Guadalquivir river and in the fertile plains of the Campiña. Some Roman remains can be seen along the Costa de la Luz towards Gibraltar.

Itinerary
From Itálica, passing Carmona, Córdoba and the villages of the Campiña back to Carmona. The route continues then to Jerez de la Frontera and Cádiz. Finally an excursion to Bolonia near Tarifa can be made.

Time needed
3-4 days, because there are several big cities worth visiting

Distance
approx. 690 kilometres/ 430 miles for the entire route. The large distances are caused by the excursions from Córdoba to the small village of Almedinilla in the Subbetic Mountains and from Cádiz to the ruins of Baelo Claudia near Bolonia.

Best travel season
Spring/early Summer (March until June) and Autumn (September and October), the coast can also be visited in July and August.

Tourist information

Accommodation

Many hotels and hostels along the route, especially in Córdoba, Jerez de la Frontera and in Cádiz. Also many camping sites along the coast and some rustic apartments.

Activities

Feasts/Festivals

Patron Saint Feasts / Ferias

almost each town celebrates its own patron saint, a procession and/or its "feria" (fair).

Pilgrimages - "Romerías"

Others

Itálica (Miles 0)
the ruins of the former Roman military settlement can be visited near Santiponce (aprox 11 km/7 miles north of Seville)

Carmona (Miles 25; 28,340 Inhabitants)
extended necropolis "Carmo" and an amphitheatre outside the city limits.

La Luisiana (Miles 45; 4,600 Inhabitants)
Wells and baths from the Roman period

Écija (Miles 55; 40,400 Inhabitants)
in the former "Astigi" of the Romans can still be seen several mosaiques. Famous also for ist 11 towers and numerous churches, monasteries and noble houses.

Almodóvar del Rio (Miles 93;
7,840 Inhabitants)
preferred by the Romans because of the regional olive oil. One of the most important Andalusian castles is situated on a hill close to the village.

Córdoba (Miles 113; 328,430 Inhabitants)
the capital of the province with the famous Mezquita (mosque) was not only the ancient seat of the Caliphate but also the capital of the roman province "Baetica"
Birth place of the philosopher Seneca.
Also located on the ancient "Via Augustea"

Almedinilla (Miles 190 km;
2,520 Inhabitants)
small village of the Sierras Subbéticas located close to Priego de Córdoba. Of agricultural importance in the Roman period: the villa "El Ruedo".

Osuna (Miles 270; 17,850 Inhabitants)
Julius Cesar conquered the town of Urso. Many monument buildings and noble houses. Tomb Panteón de los Duques; Monastery de la Encarnación.

Marchena (Miles 290; 19,770 Inhabitants)
important residence and agricultural product town of the Romans ("Martia"). Many archaeological findings. Today a small town of the Campiña, located amidst olive groves. Ancient town walls; Church San Juan Bautista; Museum Zurbarán

Jerez de la Frontera (Miles 346;
207,530 Inhabitants)
the Romans were the first to appreciate the wine of Hasta Regia. Today the biggest city of the Cádiz province.

Cádiz (Miles 364; 126,770 Inhabitants)
the mythic foundation of Hercules ("Melkart") was named "Gades" by the Romans. Oldest city of Europe.

Roman Ruins of Baelo Claudia (Miles 430)
close to the beach of Bolonia and close to Tarifa (Costa de la Luz). Founded during the 2nd Century BC.

What may be visited after or before these plans:

- Seville
- Costa del Sol
- Route of the Caliphate (Córdoba)
- White Villages