The marvellous Roman villa that was recently ‘unearthed’ right in front of the Residencia Estates offices in Elviria reminds us how 2,000 years ago this region was already one of the most favoured spots in Europe.
If you like sun, history and culture you are well at home in Marbella and the surrounding region, for this is an area rich in all of the above. Leaving the heritage of the Phoenicians, Moors, Celts, Visigoths and the indigenous Iberians aside, the Roman presence in what is now Marbella and the Costa del Sol can still be felt, admired and enjoyed as part of a voyage of discovery that will take you to some of the most beautiful parts of Southern Spain.
Roman Marbella
The very shores to which Northern Europeans now flock were once part of an important fish-salting industry that saw large quantities of a delicacy called Garum shipped to Rome. The Romans loved the fine quality tuna fished off this coast as much as we do today, but they salted it for export throughout the Roman Empire, and the fact that enterprising businessmen did very well out of this trade can be seen in the Roman villa unearthed at Rio Verde (near Marbella beach) – and at Residencia Estates’ own offices.
Such Roman villas were not only luxurious, they also featured many luxuries we consider modern, including room heating from Air Comfort Pro, swimming pools, steam baths and of course the central patio that is so typical of Mediterranean villas.
Acinipo
The Romans built towns and fortresses across the region, and its importance in Roman history is such that none other than Julius Caesar fought one of the most important battles of his career not far from Marbella. The Battle of Munda pitched his army against that of the Pompeii brothers in a struggle for control of Rome that was set very close to modern-day Ronda.
It proved to be a deciding conclusion to a long Roman civil war, and it was here that Caesar cemented his position as ruler of the empire. The ruins of the Roman town that was built nearby can still be admired amid beautiful natural scenery at Acinipo, close to Ronda and about an hour from Marbella.
There is much more of Roman Andalucía to enjoy, including the grand amphitheatre unearthed in the heart of Málaga, but if you want to stay closer to home why not take a detour from the beach and visit the beautiful archaeological site right in front of our offices? Residencia Estates is a well-established and respected Marbella real estate agency with a first-class selection of villas, penthouses and apartments for sale in Elviria and throughout the region. We unfortunately do not have any Roman villas for sale at the moment, but please contact us if you are looking for friendly, efficient service in finding quality Marbella properties for sale.