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Italica

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ruins
—°10
Italica (Spain)

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Italica, situated just a few kilometers outside modern Seville, was founded in 206 BC by Publius Cornelius Scipio following the Battle of Ilipa, making it the very first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. The city reached its absolute zenith during the second century AD as the birthplace of two highly influential Roman emperors, Trajan and Hadrian. Emperor Hadrian in particular funded a massive civic expansion known as the Nova Urbs, which featured wide paved grid streets, an advanced aqueduct system, and a gigantic amphitheater. This massive oval arena, ranking as the third largest in the entire Roman Empire, could accommodate an impressive 25,000 spectators and vividly illustrates the city's monumental status. Among the extensive ruins of the aristocratic villas, such as the House of the Birds or the House of the Planetarium, highly detailed and colorful mosaic floors have survived to this day, standing as enduring testaments to the immense wealth of the local olive oil and grain merchants.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91013162025292924191310
Rain mm484958532851324717157

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Italica is a Roman archaeological site near Seville that can be visited. The amphitheatre and mosaics are the main attractions of this open-air site.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays. Opening hours vary by season; current info is on the official website.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, especially the mosaics and amphitheatre are photogenic. Drones are usually not permitted.
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Time needed
Allow about one to two hours for a walk around the site. The site is not huge, but the mosaic details invite lingering.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a trip to Seville, only about 15 kilometres away. The nearby Santiponce also has a small museum.
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Getting there
Italica is reachable by bus from Seville (line M-172), the journey takes about 15 minutes. By car, there is parking on site.
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Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and have the ruins almost to yourself. Bring water and sun protection as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates
37.44400, -6.04500

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Italica (10)

Edificio de la Exedra

Remains of a Roman building featuring a semicircular niche, the exedra, in the ancient city of Italica.

Anfiteatro de Italica

Ancient Roman amphitheatre in Santiponce, Spain, once hosting gladiator fights and animal hunts.

Edificio del mosaico Neptuno

Ruins of a Roman building named after the mosaic found there, depicting the sea god Neptune.

Casa de Patio Rodio

Remains of a Roman house with an inner courtyard, typical of the architecture of Colonia Aelia Augusta Italica.

Roman ruins of Italica Sevilla;Roman City of Italica

Roman city with amphitheatre, founded in the 2nd century BC, birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian.

Casa de la Cañada Honda

Archaeological site with remains of a Roman house, part of the excavated residential quarters of Italica.

Templo de Trajano

Temple dedicated to Trajan, located in the centre of a large porticoed square decorated with statues.

Museo Municipal Fernando Marmolejo🏛 museum

Municipal museum in Santiponce displaying finds from the Roman city of Italica.

Mirador del Teatro Romano

Viewpoint overlooking the ruins of the Roman theatre of Italica and the surrounding landscape.

Monasterio de San Isidoro del Campo

Former monastery in Santiponce, Spain, founded in the 14th century, featuring Gothic and Mudéjar architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which Roman emperors were born in Italica?
Trajan and Hadrian were born in this city, which was founded in 206 BC.
Was Game of Thrones filmed here?
Yes, the amphitheatre of Italica served as the setting for the Dragonpit in the series.
How far is Italica from Seville?
It is located in Santiponce, just about 9 kilometers northwest of Seville city center.
Are there well-preserved mosaics?
Yes, the city is famous for its mosaic floors, such as the House of Birds or the House of the Planetarium.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, there is a large free parking lot right in front of the main entrance to the archaeological site.
Italica: where is it located?
Italica is located in Galicia, Spain.
Italica: what is there to see?
Highlights include Edificio de la Exedra, Anfiteatro de Italica, Edificio del mosaico Neptuno.
Italica: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Italica: why is it worth visiting?
Italica, situated just a few kilometers outside modern Seville, was founded in 206 BC by Publius Cornelius Scipio following the Battle of Ilipa, making it the very first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula.
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