Echoes of an Empire: A Journey Through Sagunto’s Ancient Past

Valencia, Spain
Duration2h
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Travel through the eventful history of Sagunto, the multicultural city inhabited by many civilizations, who coexisted harmoniously or took turns controlling this beautiful coastal settlement in the province of Valencia, leaving behind a wealth of significant monuments of great historical and testimonial value as well as precious archaeological sites, including the ruins of Sagunto Diana Temple witnessing the siege of Saguntum leading the Second Punic War, one of the most crucial wars of antiquity, Valencia’s largest and Spain’s oldest Jewish Quarter dating back to 2ndcentury, the 1st-century Roman Theatre which is still in use up to date, and most notably the colossal ruins of Sagunto Castle constructed and repurposed by Iberian, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and Christians through the long course of the rich history.

What's included

  • Private guided tour
  • Gratuties and refreshments

What to expect

  1. 15m
    Set off at the 14th-century Santa Maria Church in the heart of Sagunto. The looming church, a National Monument itself, heralds an important archaeological site nestling on its side: the ruins of Sagunto Diana Temple. The remaining ashlar wall of the Roman religious hub has a tremendous testimonial value as the only surviving witness of the historic Siege Of Saguntum in 219 BC, triggered one of the most important wars of the ancient world, the Second Punic War.
  2. Sagunto
    15m
    Then, stop by Portalet de la Juderia, the only remaining entrance of the 14th-century ramparts surrounding Spain’s oldest Jewish neighborhood in. The remnants which suffered the 15th-century brutal attacks against the Hebrew community gives you flashbacks of the turbulent history of the multicultural city.
  3. 15m
    Move on to explore the enchanting Jewish Quarter, whose layout has been the same since the 16th century. Its narrow, cobblestone streets are lined by whitewashed houses, the foundation of a medieval market, the ruins of a fountain, and most notably a well-maintained Jewish ritual bath (“Mikvé”), providing visitors with a precious glimpse into Sagunto’s Jewish tradition.
  4. 15m
    Then, walk up the zig-zag steps carved out of the bedrock leading to the 16th-century Hermitage of the Virgin of Soledad, located on the top of Calvary between the Old Town and Castle of Sagunto. Flooded with tranquility, the medieval temple offers picture-postcard sweeping vistas across the historic town, the weathered castle, beautiful ranges, and valleys.
  5. 15m
    Continue to pass by the Roman Theatre at the foot of the castle mountain. Dating to the first century, the renovated construction which was an important part of Emperor Augustus’s urban planning offers not only insights into the social life of the Sagunto Romans but also a diverse range of performances all year round.
  6. 15m
    On the way up to the castle, stop by the tranquil Jewish Cemetery. The archaeological site nestling at the foot of the castle walls is home to 70 tombs of three types from the 14th and 15th centuries and some curious inscriptions in Hebrew, offering a chance to learn about the social structure of the largest Jewish community in Valencia.
  7. Sagunto Castle
    30m
    Finally, once setting foot on the emblematic Sagunto Castle, marvel at the reliefs representing Roman mythology on the 3rd-century Almenara Portal, the best-preserved part of the ruins. The main entrance of the castle opens up to Almenara Square, the most famous of the seven sections of the castle, where you can take your time examining remains of a Roman forum, public buildings, cisterns, and other illegible marks across the rock hills by Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and Christians.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

At the monument of Joaquín Rodrigo, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.

End point

At the monument of Joaquín Rodrigo, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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€350.00 per group
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