Itálica was founded in 206 B.C. and was the first Roman city to be built south of the Iberian Peninsula. The remains of this ancient city can be seen and explored when you visit the excavations of Itálica, located just 20 minutes outside Seville.

Book a day trip to Itálica from Seville to learn more about this fascinating Roman city and imagine what it may have looked like before its decline. You may also recognize Itálica's iconic amphitheater from the seventh season of the popular “Game of Thrones” series.

Here's all you need to know about Itálica, one of the most exciting day trips from Seville.

How to get to Itálica from Seville?

Itálica can be found in Spain’s Andalusia region, and is located around 12 kilometers northwest of Seville’s city center. Because of Itálica's close proximity to Seville, getting to the ruins is easy and convenient.

From Seville to Itálica by car

If you are traveling to Itálica by car, there are three different routes for you to pick from. The most popular route can be taken by heading northwest on the N-630 until you reach the ruins, where you’ll find free parking nearby.

The journey to Itálica from Seville by car should take around 20 minutes but may take slightly longer if there’s traffic. There are plenty of car rental companies in Seville if you are looking to rent a suitable vehicle for your Itálica day trip.

From Seville to Itálica by bus

Traveling to Itálica from Seville by bus is an affordable, straightforward and convenient way to visit the ruins. The M-170A bus that departs from the Plaza de Armas bus station takes you directly to the archeological site of Itálica.

This bus departs every 30 minutes during the week and every hour on weekends, with the bus journey from Seville to Itálica taking roughly 20 minutes.

Guided tour to Itálica from Seville

When you book a guided tour from Seville to Itálica, you’ll make your way to the Roman ruins in a comfortable vehicle with your driver or guide. Most guided experiences at Itálica last around 3 hours, after which you’ll be taken back to Seville.

In addition to having your transport to and from Seville taken care of, a guided tour also provides you with a deeper insight into Itálica as your tour guide will provide you with information and commentary as you explore the ruins.

How much does the entrance ticket to Itálica cost?

European citizens, with ID, have free access to Itálica, while people from other countries pay €1.50 per person for entrance tickets to Itálica.

When you book a guided tour, your tickets to Itálica are included in the cost of the tour and you’ll enjoy skip-the-line access.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Itálica day trip is different, many of these excursions follow a similar itinerary. Most tour operators will pick you up in an air-conditioned vehicle from a central meeting point in Seville. From here, you’ll make the short journey to the archaeological site of Itálica.

Once at the site, your tour guide will show you some of the best attractions and provide fascinating information about the ancient city of Itálica. There will be more than enough time to take photos, ask questions and explore on your own.

At the end of the trip, you’ll be driven back to Seville and be dropped off at the same spot that you were picked up from.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Itálica?

When looking to book an Itálica day trip, you have a few options to choose from, including guided tours, private tours and “Game of Thrones” tours.

Guided tours to Itálica from Seville

Guided group tours to Itálica from Seville provide an affordable way to experience the ancient ruins with a professional guide at your side. You’ll be picked up from a central meeting point in Seville and be driven to Itálica in a comfortable vehicle.

As there will be other tour participants on the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people as you explore the ruins of Itálica together.

Private tour to Itálica from Seville

Private tours from Seville to Itálica allow you to truly make the most of your time at the archeological site. You and your travel companions will be the only tour participants, therefore you’ll enjoy a more personalized itinerary.

Private tours often offer hotel transfers for your convenience, and while they cost more than guided tours, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

“Game of Thrones” tour to Itálica from Seville

While most Itálica day tours will make some mention of the fact that the ruins were a shoot location for the popular series “Game of Thrones,” there are tours that specifically cater toward “Game of Thrones” fans.

Learn where some of the most iconic scenes from the seventh season of the series were shot and take photos where some of your favorite characters once walked. There are both guided and private “Game of Thrones” tours available.

How much does a day trip to Itálica from Seville cost?

Basic guided tours to Itálica from Seville cost as little as €20 per person, for tours lasting around 2 hours and without transport included.

Longer and more comprehensive guided tours lasting around 4 hours usually cost around €40 per person with transport.

If you’re interested in a private tour, you can pay approximately €400 each for a group of two. This includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel for a 6-hour tour.

No matter how much you’re looking to spend, there is an Itálica day trip that is suitable for your budget. All tour prices are inclusive of your Itálica entrance tickets.

What will you see and do?

The city of Itálica was the first permanent Roman settlement built in Spain. The city was founded in 206 B.C. as a place for veterans of a recent war.

Itálica grew to accommodate thousands of people, and the city was well known for producing olive oil and grain. In the 3rd century the settlement began its decline, which is thought to have resulted because of an issue with its river port.

Today, the archeological site of Itálica is famed for its well-preserved ruins. Even though a large part of the Roman city has not yet been excavated, the site provides a plethora of fascinating things to see.

The ruins

Much of the archeological site that is visited during an Itálica tour is actually the newer part of the city that was built by Trajan and his nephew Hadrian, as much of the older part of the city is still under the village of Santiponce.

As you walk through the archeological site, you’ll see the theater, the amphitheater, the temple of Trajan, various different houses, the springs, statues, marbles and mosaics. You’ll get an idea of what it may have been like to live in this city thousands of years ago!

One of the main attractions is undoubtedly the 25,000-seater amphitheater, which was one of the Roman Empire’s largest amphitheaters ever built. Most of the structure, which was used for gladiatorial combat, has survived over the years.

Surrounding the main avenue are five large houses that belonged to wealthy families. Their opulence is obvious just by looking at the intricate mosaics that depict scenes of the planets and various animals.

“Game of Thrones”

Various scenes from the seventh season of the popular TV series “Game of Thrones” were filmed in Itálica in 2016. The last episode of the dramatic season depicts a meeting in Itálica's massive amphitheater.

While CGI was used to create extra height to certain parts of the amphitheater and ‘restore’ the ruins to their original state, it is very clear to see where the iconic scenes were shot. Visiting the archeological site allows you to walk where some of your favorite actors were filmed.

What are the opening times?

Itálica is open from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, and is closed on Mondays (except for the Mondays preceding public holidays).

The archeological site of Itálica opens at 9 AM and closes at either 3 PM, 6 PM or 9 PM depending on the season.

The ruins are closed to the public on Jan. 1, Jan. 6, May. 1, Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Dec. 31.

When is the best time to visit Itálica?

Thanks to Andalusia’s moderate weather, Itálica is an attraction that can be visited throughout the year. However, you may want to check the weather forecast ahead of time to avoid rainy days, as the vast majority of Itálica's ruins are open-air.

As Itálica is one of Seville's most popular attractions, the ruins can get quite busy during the holiday seasons and on weekends— so you may want to avoid these periods if you’d prefer a quieter experience.

What other day trips can you do from Seville?

Travel tips

Book your Itálica day trip ahead of time to avoid disappointment and secure your place on your preferred excursion.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for strolling around Itálica and exploring its many ruins.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Pack water, snacks and extra spending money for your Itálica day trip. Don’t forget to bring your camera if you have one.

Itálica: Day Trips and Tours from Seville