5 must-not-miss ruins in Andalucía and the Costa del Sol

Sotogrande itself may not be the obvious place to come for historical sites – this luxurious development having only been established in the 1960s – but that doesn’t mean history buffs should overlook the wealth of interesting Sotogrande property for sale.

After all, the broader Andalucía and Costa del Sol regions offer no shortage of must-visit ancient sites, such as the below often-overlooked ruins.

Medina Azahara, Cordoba

This medieval Muslim palace-city’s ruins were half-buried for centuries, but on 1^st July this year, they deservedly acquired UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It was built by Abd-ar-Rahman III (912-961), the first Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba, and served as the effective capital of al-Andalus, or Muslim Spain. Today, a museum can be found on the edge of the site.

Underground Roman road, Medina-Sidonia, Cadiz

The city of Medina-Sidonia is considered by some to be Europe’s oldest, and while there are many historical treasures to be found there – including a formidable Roman castle and a well-stocked archaeological museum – it may be the underground Roman road that is the most unsung gem of all.

This 15-metre-long stretch of ancient Roman street was only discovered in 1997, but is now open to the public, showcasing such features as original stone slabs, two preserved sidewalks and even games boards etched into the stone, where children once played.

Almunecar Aqueduct, Granada

Admirers of Roman ruins who purchase from the extensive range of Sotogrande property for sale also have good reason to head to Almunecar on the Costa Tropical, where they will find an impressively preserved Roman aqueduct.

The aqueduct runs for seven kilometres and comprises five towering sections spanning the Rio Verde and Rio Seco. Some of its sections are fenced off today, but an unobstructed view can still be had from central Almunecar and the Rio Seco riverbed.

Italica, Santiponce, Sevilla

The elaborate city of Italica was one of the first Roman settlements in Spain, and may be of particular interest to British visitors, given that it was also the birthplace of the Roman emperor Hadrian, who built the famous wall in northern England.

Despite the materials from which its beautiful structures were once composed being mostly reused in the reconstruction of nearby Sevilla, Italica is surprisingly well-preserved – especially the two surviving storeys of the 25,000-seater amphitheatre that has even appeared in Game of Thrones.

Basilica Paleocristiana de Vega del Mar, Marbella, Malaga

Only the walls survive of what was once a beautiful Visigoth church, but the fact that it was one of the few North African-type churches to be constructed in Andalucía during the 6^th century AD makes it well worth a visit. It also served as a necropolis, and contains more than 180 tombs.

Browse Property Sotogrande’s latest online listings of Sotogrande property for sale, and you’ll see just why so many people of all tastes and inclinations are choosing to situate themselves within this highly exclusive, but also welcoming and friendly community on the Costa del Sol.