Traveling through the province beyond its villages and trails will result in a substantial exercise of connection with history. The Sierra Morena of Seville holds archaeological treasures such as Munigua.
Although not as well known as the iconic Italica, it is an essential site for those who like to get lost among Roman ruins.
Among its peculiarities, Munigua is a Roman city that stands out for not following the model of Roman urban planning.
The archaeological site of Mulva-Munigua is located in the vicinity of Villanueva del Río y Minas, in the foothills of the Sierra Morena in the province of Seville, in an area of mining tradition.
Origins of the archaeological site
The origins of this archaeological site date back to the 4th century BC, although the settlement whose remains we can visit today date from the 1st-3rd century AD.
Munigua was probably the largest iron producer of all Roman Baetica and for a century and a half was the political, administrative and religious center in the Vega del Guadalquivir and the first foothills of the Sierra Norte.
The city is dominated by a majestic Sanctuary that stands on the Sacred Hill. It is the most emblematic construction of the place and is dedicated to the cult of Fortuna and Hercules. A settlement that is interesting because it presents characteristics that are usually seen in Lazio (Italy), not in the Iberian Peninsula.
Ahead of the Latium, at a lower level, is the podium type templete that stands in a small square. It is dedicated to Mercury.
The city also had the usual buildings existing in every Roman city: a forum, a basilica, baths, dwellings, walls and a necropolis.
It is noteworthy that, unlike the usual urban layout, this city does not follow an octagonal layout, but respects the natural forms of the Sacred Hill.
The decline of Munigua occurred gradually, even though the emperor Vespasian elevated it to the status of Municipio Flavio Muniguense and granted the Latin right to its citizens.
From the 4th century the mineral was exhausted and after an earthquake the Roman population abandoned the place.
Visit Munigua for free: opening hours
To visit this enclave -we warn you that the site is located in a private estate that does not allow access to vehicles- you will have to park in the area of the Renfe railway halt (in disuse) and walk or cycle to the area.
The site can be visited from Wednesday to Sunday at different access times between 10:00 and 14:00 hours. The access shifts take place at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00.
Access is free, you can check all the details on the website of the Junta de Andalucía.