Route of the Roman Ruins

In the third century B.C. the Province of Cádiz, until that time under Carthaginian rule, fell to the Romans. The Romans went on to dominate for more than seven centuries and the province enjoyed prosperous times. Fortunately, even today much archaeological evidence - theatres, aqueducts, sewers, walls and the like - remains for us to get an idea of how strategically important the province must have been in Roman times. Here we highlight the main Roman settlements in the province.

'Ocuri', near Ubrique
Second century urban site which belonged to the administrative organization of Baetica (one of three imperial Roman provinces). We know it must have been a city of relative importance. Remains include a columbarium (a vault with niches for urns containing ashes of the dead), water tanks and typical domestic architecture in the form of villas.

'Iptuci', near Prado del Rey
Occupation of this Roman settlement began at the end of the Neolithic period and continued until Medieval times. Remains: fortifications, walls, towers, domestic architecture and paving. Site declared of special cultural interest in 2002.

'Camissa Aurelia', near Espera
First to fourth centuries. Remains include several columbariums cut into the rock; others constructed with burial stones; tombs with inscriptions - one of which has a circular design of particular interest.

'Sierra de Aznar', near Arcos de la Frontera
Artefacts abound. Communication point between the coast and the interior of the province. This was a place where water was abundant, and among the remains is a complex hydraulic water system known in Latin as 'Castellum Aquae'. There's a also a large deposit which was used to catch and store a huge amount of water.

'Asido Caesarina', Medina Sidonia
The large number of findings on this site tell us this was a settlement of unique splendour. Findings include many public works, including part of a two-way Roman road discovered in 1977, and a sewer system of highly advanced design.

Cádiz
Europe's oldest city, with an extraordinary history. Known as Gades in Roman times when it was a trading post and the most active market in the ancient world. Goods were bought cheap from the native population and sold on at higher rates to the Greek and Persian markets. There were fortunes to be made! Caesar visited Cádiz around 68 B.C. Road was built (Via Herculea) from Cádiz to Gaul, linking to Via Augusta - total distance of 1,700 miles. Well worth a visit: Museum of Cádiz.

'Baelo Claudia', near Bolonia Stunning location right next to the coast. Close to African border, important commercial centre in its time. Well preserved, with all the elements of a Roman city on view: forum, columns, marketplace, theatre, streets etc.

Baelo Claudia's stunning location

See all the Routes from Arcos

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