Route Betica - Romana
Between the 3rd and the 5th century AC the Romans
well-liked the fertile Guadalquivir plains because of its rich
production of wine, olive oil, corn and also the presence of minerals.
The Vía Augustea connected the former Baetis with France.
From the city of Itálica come the philosopher Seneca and
the two Roman emperors Trajano and Adriano.
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.
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.
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; 26,300 Inhabitants)
extended necropolis "Carmo" and an amphitheatre outside
the city limits.
Luisiana (Miles 45; 4,400 Inhabitants)
Wells and baths from the Roman period
Écija (Miles 55; 38,100
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; 7,100 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; 318,700
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 ; 2,550
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; 17.300 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; 18,400 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;
191,000 Inhabitants)
the Romans were the first to appreciate the wine of Hasta Regia.
Today the biggest city of the Cádiz province.
Cádiz (Miles 364; 135,000
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.
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