Itálica Roman ruins tour from Seville: amphitheater and monastery

Two thousand years of stone: an amphitheater, a forum, and a monastery built on what came before

This guided tour from Seville takes you to Itálica, the first Roman city founded on the Iberian Peninsula, where you walk the streets and houses of emperors Hadrian and Trajan, explore the third-largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, and finish at the 14th-century Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo. A private vehicle and live guide in English or Spanish are included; the tour runs about five hours and departs around 9:30 a.m.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Italica and San Isidoro Monastery

• Depart from Seville at 9:30 a.m.
• Arrive at Italica archaeological site
• Explore Roman streets, mosaics, and houses
• Visit Italica Amphitheater and Roman Theatre
• Travel to Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo
• Tour the monastery's Gothic-Mudejar and Baroque art
• Return to Seville and conclude the tour

The Experience

The tour leaves Seville at 9:30 a.m. and reaches Itálica in just over 15 minutes, arriving at what was once the birthplace of two of Rome's greatest emperors. Your guide meets you at the site and walks you through the ancient city on foot. The amphitheater stands first — it held 25,000 spectators and is the third largest ever built by Rome. You see the Roman Theatre, discovered mid-twentieth century, and then move into the residential quarters where mosaics, thermal baths and the remains of named houses like Neptune's House and the House of the Birds show what daily life looked like two thousand years ago. The forum and temple ruins follow, marking the political and religious center of the city.

After Itálica, the guide drives you to the Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo, a medieval fortress built in the 14th century. The complex holds paintings, murals and sculptures spanning Mudejar, Gothic and Baroque periods. Once you finish the monastery, the drive back to Seville takes the same 15 minutes, and your guide drops you at your starting point.

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, which means no waiting for a group to gather and no schedule that does not match your pace. The guide speaks English or Spanish and leads both sites. Food and drinks are not part of the tour, so plan a meal before departure or bring something with you.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• entry to both Itálica and the Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sevilla Moving

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide-led walk through both Itálica's Roman ruins and San Isidoro's monastery in one morning, with private transport included so you're not coordinating separate logistics.

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Top questions

How far is Itálica from Seville?

Itálica is located a few kilometers from Seville in the nearby town of Santiponce, about 15 minutes by car from the city center.

What is the Itálica amphitheater?

The Itálica amphitheater is the third largest in the Roman Empire, built to hold 25,000 spectators where gladiator fights took place. It still stands as one of the most impressive ruins on the site.

Who were the emperors born in Itálica?

Hadrian and Trajan, two of Rome's most celebrated emperors, were born in Itálica when it was the first Roman city founded in Hispania.

What period is the Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo from?

The monastery was founded in the 14th century and combines Gothic-Mudejar and Renaissance architecture, with paintings, murals and sculptures from multiple periods inside.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Food and drinks are not included, so you'll want to eat before the tour departs at 9:30 a.m. or bring something with you for the five-hour outing.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English or Spanish, and you choose your preferred language when you book.