Santiponce

A partially excavated Roman city. Most of it is lost under the village of Santiponce, but several streets and the footings of houses and public buildings with mosaic tiled floors can be seen. The highlight is one of the largest known Roman amphitheatres with seats for 25,000. Italica receives fewer visitors than many European ruins of similar archaeological value, and is well worth the quick trip from Seville. This was one of the main cities of Roman Hispania and Trajan, Adriano and, perhaps, Teodosio also originated from it. Archaeological work on the city is ongoing.

It was built in 1301 by Alonso Pérez de Guzmán. It was the result of a concession from Ferdinand IV of Castile in 1298 and the purpose was for the remains of Alonso to rest there. It has several works of art of some importance by Juan Martínez Montañés. Montañés made a lavish altarpiece. In addition, in the Cloister of the Evangelists there are four interesting 15th century wall paintings. There are also other notable pieces, such as a Christ by Pedro Roldán, 17th-century stained glass, relics and remains of Saint Eutiquio,. The monastery housed one of the best libraries in Spain.