Ancient Roman Sites Walking Tour (Self Guided), Cordoba

Under all in Cordoba lies a once redoubtable Roman strongpoint. After Scipio's defeat of the Carthaginians in Llipa, the victorious Romans set up camp by the Guadalquivir River.

Under Augustus, the city gained the status of Colonia Patricia. A perimeter wall was built touching the Guadalquivir River. There were two forums, colonial and provincial. A large amphitheater has been uncovered. There are enormous temples, including one on Claudio Marcelo Street (Calle Claudio Marcelo).

The Roman Temple (Templo Romano) on Claudio Marcelo Street was completed in the reign of Domitian (81-96 AD) and discovered in the 1950s. It was dedicated to the Emperor, and with the Circus Maximus, it was part of the Provincial Forum. The ruin has six free-standing Corinthian columns and an altar. It can be found on Capitulares Street (Calle Capitulares).

The Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) is still in use. It was built in the first century BC. It crosses the Guadalquivir River. It was built during the reign of Augustus and reconstructed by the Moorish administration in the 8th century AD. The Cordoba Archeological Museum houses remain of the Roman theatre and items from Roman Temple.

Two milestones from the ancient Augusta Road (Via Augusta) are now part of the entrance of the great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Traces of the church of Bishop Ossius, Saint Victor of 325 AD, are beneath the mosque. In the Victoria Gardens (Jardines de la Victoria) is the Roman mausoleum of Cordoba. It is a cylinder-shaped crenelated stone monument of the 1st century AD.

The site of the Palace of Maximianus Herculius was unearthed in the northwest corner of the city. Maximianus was Emperor from 286 to 305 AD. It was a turbulent time. The Visigoths converted it into the basilica of Martyr San Aciscio. The layout of the site is by the parking lot of today's railway station. Signs are posted.

Archeologists have concluded Roman Cordoba had three aqueducts, a circus, an amphitheater, a theatre, baths, and two forums. Of course, it had houses, too. Archeologists are still looking.