Journey back to Spain's ancient past when you visit one of the oldest examples of a Christian church on the Iberian Peninsula.
Investigate the ruins of the Basilica Vega Del Mar, an early Christian church and burial site located on the old Roman road between Cartagena and Cadiz. This ancient site is set in a forest of eucalyptus trees and was discovered when the forest was planted in the early 20th century.
The temple is thought to have originated in the 6th century, but there isn’t a lot that survives to this day. Slowly look over the archeological site from the elevated viewing platform to see the internal floor plan. Study the outer walls, which are up to 3 feet (1 metre) in height. You should be able to make out evidence of aisles and the nave, the central section.
Note the building materials. They are principally pebbles and small boulders mixed with lime mortar. Historians think the use of these modest construction elements is one of the reasons why the building has not stood the test of time.
Step down from the viewing platform to stroll among the ruins. Walk over to the north chamber to see a baptismal font in the shape of a fish. It was deep enough to fully immerse an adult during baptismal ceremonies.
Located inside and outside the basilica are the tombs of the necropolis. Approximately 200 tombs have been uncovered. During excavation works in the early 20th century, ceramics and other artefacts were also discovered. These are now exhibited at the National Archeological Museum in Madrid.
Basilica Vega Del Mar is only open for a few hours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from late morning until early afternoon. Admission is free. The site is located in a residential area approximately 9 miles (15 kilometres) west of Marbella.
After your visit explore another ancient site within easy reach, the Termas Romanas de Las Bóvedas. The remains of these 3rd-century Roman baths are 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) away. Standing close to them is a 16th-century watchtower.
