Necropolis: Day Trips and Tours from Seville

The Necropolis provides visitors with an insight into how the Roman Empire ruled in Spain almost 2,000 years ago. Located in the historic city of Cardona, this funerary site is considered to be one of the best-preserved landmarks of its kind in the world.

A day trip to the Necropolis from Seville is a must for history buffs and architecture lovers alike. Simple to arrange and enchanting to see, an excursion to the Necropolis will transport you back in time.

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

How to get to the Necropolis from Seville?

The Necropolis is located in Carmona, a small city just over 30 kilometers outside of Seville. The site can be found just to the west of the city center.

From Seville to the Necropolis by car

The easiest way to journey to the Necropolis from Seville is by car. The route takes approximately 30 minutes and follows the A-4 out of the city in a northeasterly direction, and all the way to the historic site.

From Seville to the Necropolis by public transport

Another way to make the jaunt to the Necropolis is by public transport. You can catch a direct bus from the center of Seville to Carmona, which takes just over an hour and costs around €3 per adult.

From the center of Carmona, you can finish your journey to the Necropolis on foot, which takes a little over 10 minutes.

Guided tour to the Necropolis from Seville

Alternatively, let someone else take care of the details for you by opting for a guided excursion to the Necropolis. These day trips last between 4 and 5 hours, making them an easy addition to any Seville itinerary.

You can expect a tour of this nature to begin around 4 PM, returning to the city later on in the evening.

What is the typical itinerary?

Typically, Necropolis day trips begin in Seville in the mid-afternoon with a convenient hotel pickup. You’ll simply wait in the lobby at a pre-determined time to be collected by your friendly tour guide.

From there, you’ll drive the short distance to Carmona, where you’ll amble around the streets alongside your guide who will provide you with fascinating insights into the city’s 5,000-year history.

As you travel through Carmona, you’ll stumble upon Roman-built bridges and roads, which will connect you to the centuries of history that this town possesses.

You’ll also make your way to the Necropolis, just outside the city center, where again, you’ll participate in a walking tour, while learning all about Roman funerary proceedings and which notable figures were buried at the site.

After exploring every corner of these ancient ruins, you’ll return to Seville where your Necropolis day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Necropolis?

Necropolis day trips usually combine an excursion to the historic site with a walking tour of Carmona. These day tours are both educational and exciting for all of the family.

Guided tours to the Necropolis from Seville

Starting out your day tour to the Necropolis in the afternoon, you’ll make the short journey to Carmona, where the Roman burial grounds can be found.

Upon entrance to the site, you’ll participate in a walking tour around the ancient graveyard, where you can admire monuments that were constructed almost 2,000 years ago.

As you wander around the plethora of spectacular carvings and crumbling ruins, you’ll learn more about traditional life in this corner of Europe.

You’ll also have the opportunity to stroll around Cardona, fondly known as the “Morning Star of Europe,” which is also brimming with historic sites.

Among these attractions are the Door of Cordoba and the 14th-century Fortress of King Don Pedro, both of which you’ll see as you tour the city before returning to Seville.

How much does a day trip to the Necropolis from Seville cost?

A day trip to the Necropolis from Seville costs approximately €50 per person. This includes round-trip transportation, as well as the services of a professional guide.

What will you see and do?

The Necropolis dates back to the 1st century A.D. and was built by the Romans. However, after being abandoned, the site remained undiscovered for many years until the end of the 19th century, when it was unearthed by a team of archaeologists.

The discovery was accidental, after finding the first remains while working on the Camino del Quemadero. It took a further 17 years to secure the land and finish excavating the remains.

The site is considered to be one of the best-preserved funerary complexes dating back to ancient Roman rule and its amphitheater is thought to be the first built in Spain.

The Romans’ most popular method of burial was incineration, which took place on this site. Their ashes were then buried and marked, for family members to pay their respects to.

The Elephant Tomb is one of the most interesting monuments onsite and is dedicated to the goddess of motherhood — Cybele — and Attis, who was the god of vegetation. A cult developed around these gods in the 2nd century A.D. and priests were known to castrate themselves as an offering of fertility to Cybele.

Another must-see attraction while at the Necropolis is the Tomb of Servilia, which was constructed according to Hellenistic architecture in the shape of an opulent mansion.

The tomb is made up of a courtyard, as well as several rooms and a gallery. The unusual shape of the monument is what makes it the most unique and celebrated crypt in the Necropolis.

What are the opening times?

The Necropolis is open from 9 AM to 6 PM between Tuesday and Saturday. On Sundays, it closes mid-afternoon, at 3 PM, and remains closed on Mondays.

When is the best time to visit the Necropolis?

The best time to visit this area of Spain is during the spring months — between April and June — or the fall months of September, and October.

During this time, you'll experience fewer crowds than throughout the summer and temperatures that range from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius.

If you're a sun worshipper, you may prefer the summer months of July and August for your Necropolis day trip, when temperatures soar to 36 degrees Celsius.

Travel tips

• If you travel to the Necropolis during the summer months, be prepared for the blistering heat with sunscreen, a sunhat and plenty of water.
• Necropolis day tours take place on foot, so you should ensure you’re wearing comfortable shoes on your excursion.
• Those who are interested in ancient history will find plenty of sites to admire throughout the Necropolis and Cardona city center. Bring your camera with you on your tour so that you can show your findings to your loved ones back home.
• The last entry into the Necropolis is an hour before closing time. Bear this in mind when planning your visit to the Roman site.