Things to do around Seville - Heading North

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Visit the archaeological site of Italica

Located in Santiponce , about 15 km from Seville , the archaeological site of Itálica is an ideal visit to combine with a trip to Campo Bravo , on the way there or back from Seville.

Founded in 206 BC J.-C. by Scipio AfricanusItalica is the first Roman city founded in HispaniaIt reached its peak in Iᵉʳ–IIᵉ centuries after Christ, a period during which she gave birth to two major Roman emperors: trajan et HadrianAt its maximum size, the city covers approximately 52 hectares : .

Itálica is particularly known for its amphitheater, one of the largest in the Roman Empire, capable of accommodating up to 25 000 spectators, while the city had between 8,000 and 10,000 inhabitantsThe site also included Baths, temples, an theatre and several aqueducts, demonstrating its regional importance.

The ruins of Italica, particularly the amphitheater, served as a filming location for the Game of Thrones series , making it a site appreciated today both for its ancient heritage and its contemporary cultural resonance.

Practical information

  • Visit duration (self-guided) : Of 40 minutes to 2 hours
  • Directions Easy access from Seville, compatible with a Campo Bravo excursion
  • Starter : free for citizens of the European Union
  • Address : Conjunto Arqueológico de Itálica, Santiponce, province of Seville, Andalusia

Heading north towards the Sierra de Aracena,
Lunch and nature break in Higuera de la Sierra

After a visit to the Campo Bravo, take the direction of the north allows the experience to be extended by a gastronomic and natural immersion in the Sierra de Aracena.
The village of Fig Tree of the Sierra, located approximately one hour's drive from Gerena, marks theeastern entrance to the Sierra and is a popular stop for Seville residents when they wish to escape the urban bustle.

Higuera de la Sierra has just under 1,500 inhabitants and is renowned for its quality of life , natural environment and local gastronomy , strongly linked to mountain and dehesa products.

A city marked by history and architecture

In the early twentiethᵉ century Alphonse XIII chooses Aracena as summer resortattracting with it an active social life and a certain architectural refinement.
The architect Hannibal Gonzalezknown in particular for the Plaza de España In Seville, he designed several iconic buildings, including the casino of Aracena.

A must-see in Aracena

Grotto of Wonders

One of the most remarkable underground sites in Spain.

  • Type of visit mandatory guide
  • Duration : about 2 hours
  • Address : Calle Pozo de la Nieve, Aracena (province of Huelva)

Aracena Castle

Located on the heights of the city, it offers a panoramic view of the Sierra.

  • Visit : free with audio guide
  • Duration : 1 to 2 hours
  • Localisation Cerro del Castillo, Aracena

A nature getaway away from mass tourism

Aracena constitutes a An ideal base for a multi-day stay outside of Seville, in a region still largely preserved from mass tourism.
Le Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park offer :

  • some hiking routes accessible all year round,
  • some outdoor activities, even in summer thanks to the altitude and forest cover,
  • villages with character and a strong cultural identity.

Gastronomy and Iberian ham

The Sierra de Aracena is considered one of the historical hearts of Iberian ham.
The villages of Jabugo and the surrounding area welcome the traditional drying sheds where Iberian ham is produced, in a temperate climate influenced by maritime influences from the coast of Huelva.

Villages and remarkable sites around Aracena

Several villages are worth a further visit:

  • Alajar : hiking and natural site of the Peña de Arias Montano
  • Linares of the Sierra trails, gastronomy and rural heritage
  • Jabugo Iberian ham and visits to secaderos
  • Castaño de Robledo : hiking and 19th century arenasᵉ century, testimony of rural heritage

Proximity to Portugal also led to the construction of numerous historical fortifications , which are now open to visitors in several municipalities of the Sierra.