Italica
8km north
of
Seville,
in the
direction
of
Merida,
the only
significant
Roman
ruins in
Andalucia
are at
Italica.
The Roman
city was
founded in
the 3rd
century BC
by Scipio
Africanus
as a home
for his
veterans.
The
Emperors
Trajan,
Hadrian
and
Theodosius
were all
born here.
The
biggest
ruins here
is the
amphitheatre
with
seating
for
40,000.
There are
also
remains of
villa
foundations
and
temples.
Some
important
mosaics
have
survived
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Carmona
Take
the NIV
from
Seville
and you
will find
Carmona.
This town
is
probably
older than
Seville,
for
Neolithic
sites have
been found
around the
town.
During the
Roman era
it thrived
as a city.
Pedro the
cruel
favoured
Carmona
and
rebuilt
most of
its
Alcazar
which sits
proudly on
top of the
town with
views over
the
valley. It
is now a
National
Parador.
Most of
the
fortifications
in the
town are
Moorish,
built on
Roman
foundations.
There is a
splendid
gateway on
the road
to
Seville.
The town
is well
worth a
day
excursion
and you
will find
plenty to
see and
do. Prime
sights
include
the Roman
necropolis,
a 15th
century
church and
the Roman
amphitheatre
which so
far has
not been
excavated
and
preserved.
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Ecija
Despite
the ugly,
undisguised
gas
holders as
you enter
Ecija,
once you
reach the
Plaza de
Espana in
the centre
you will
find it a
true
example of
Andalucian
beauty.
Here the
square is
dominated
by a
beautiful
fountain
and rows
of palms.
The
atmosphere
here is as
laid back
as it
gets. Do
as the
locals do,
sit and
watch the
world go
by or
explore
the towns
many
churches
and ornate
towers.
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