Seville: Games of Thrones and Roman Empire Italica Tour

Seville’s Italica Tour offers a unique blend of ancient Roman history and modern pop culture. Travelers can explore the impressive ruins of this 2,000-year-old city, including its expansive amphitheater and well-preserved mosaics. But the real draw? The iconic Dragonpit from HBO’s Game of Thrones, which was filmed on-site. With skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable guide, visitors can enjoy the daily lives of Romans while discovering how this historic site has captured the imagination of a new generation. It’s an experience that transports you through time, leaving you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• This half-day tour from Seville takes visitors to the ancient Roman ruins of Italica, the first Roman city on the Iberian Peninsula.
• The tour highlights the well-preserved amphitheater, ancient mosaics, and the Dragonpit location from the popular TV series Game of Thrones.
• Accompanied by a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide, the tour offers insights into the daily life of ordinary Romans and Spain’s rich Roman heritage.
• The tour includes skip-the-line access and is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for diverse visitors.
• Traveler reviews are mixed, with some concerns about the tour guide’s knowledge and organization, but overall, the tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Italica’s historical significance.

Tour Overview

This half-day tour from Seville takes visitors to the ancient Roman ruins of Italica, a site renowned for its historical significance and its role in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones.

The tour highlights the archaeological site‘s impressive features, including the amphitheater, ancient mosaics, and the Dragonpit from season seven of Game of Thrones.

Travelers can explore this first Roman city on the Iberian Peninsula and learn about Spain’s rich history and its connections to the hit TV series.

The tour includes a Blue Badge guide, guaranteed skip-the-line access, and all taxes and fees.

However, food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included.

Historical Significance

Italica holds a significant place in history, as it was the first Roman city established on the Iberian Peninsula. Visitors can explore this ancient site located just outside Seville and learn about Spain’s deep connections to the Roman Empire:

• Italica was founded in 206 BC by Scipio Africanus after the Second Punic War.

• The city grew to become an important regional center, with a population of over 8,000 at its peak.

• Ruins include a well-preserved amphitheater, ancient mosaics, and the Dragonpit set from Season 7 of Game of Thrones.

• Italica provided a window into the lives of ordinary Romans through its residential neighborhoods and public spaces.

• The site offers a unique opportunity to take in Spain’s Roman heritage.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package covers all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Travelers will be accompanied by a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide who’ll provide insights throughout the tour. Skipping the long lines is guaranteed, ensuring a seamless experience.

However, food and drinks aren’t included, and gratuities for the guide are at the discretion of guests.

The tour starts and ends at the Conjunto Arqueológico de Itálica in Santiponce, just outside Seville.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allows service animals, and has infant seats available.

The maximum group size is 60 travelers, offering an intimate experience to explore the historical Roman ruins.

Meeting and Accessibility

The tour meeting point is at the Conjunto Arqueológico de Italica, located on Avenida Extremadura 2 in Santiponce, just outside Seville.

The tour ends back at the same location. The site is wheelchair accessible, allows service animals, and has infant seats available.

The maximum group size is 60 travelers. Some key accessibility details:

• Wheelchair-friendly pathways and facilities
• Service animals permitted on the tour
• Infant seats provided for families
• Multilingual Blue Badge guides available
• Easy access to the archaeological site

Amphitheater Experience

Visitors to the ancient Roman amphitheater at Italica are awestruck by its imposing size and well-preserved state. This grand structure, which once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, has endured for centuries.

Travelers can explore the tiered seating, marvel at the intricate mosaics adorning the floors, and imagine the roar of the crowds.

For Game of Thrones fans, the amphitheater holds special significance as the filming location for the Dragonpit in season seven.

With the knowledgeable guidance of a Blue Badge tour guide, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Italica’s role in Spain’s history and its connections to the popular HBO series.

Mosaic Masterpieces

Scattered throughout the ancient Roman ruins of Italica are remarkably well-preserved mosaics that captivate visitors.

These intricate, colorful works of art offer a glimpse into the opulence and sophistication of the Roman Empire.

Highlights include:

• Exquisite floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes, geometric patterns, and depictions of daily life
• Detailed mosaics adorning the walls of the bathhouse, showcasing the artistry and skill of the original craftsmen
• Mosaics highlighting the Roman gods, including a stunning depiction of the sea god Neptune
• The impressive Mosaic of the Charioteer, a masterpiece that showcases the athletic prowess of the Roman chariot races
• Remarkably intact mosaics that have stood the test of time, providing a window into the past and captivating modern visitors.

Dragonpit Connection

Although Italica’s long and storied history predates the HBO series Game of Thrones, fans of the show will delight in exploring the Dragonpit – a key filming location used in the series.

This ancient Roman amphitheater, which featured prominently in season seven, served as the imposing setting for the iconic meeting between Daenerys, Jon, and Cersei.

Visitors can walk in the footsteps of these iconic characters and imagine the drama that unfolded within the stadium’s impressive walls.

The Dragonpit’s inclusion in Game of Thrones has undoubtedly contributed to the renewed interest in Italica, allowing more travelers to discover this remarkable piece of history.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have offered mixed reviews of the "Game of Thrones and Roman Empire Tour" in Seville.

While some have praised the amphitheater experience, especially for Game of Thrones fans, others have noted issues with the tour guide’s performance:

• Overall rating of 4.1 from 16 reviews
• Positive feedback on the impressive Roman ruins and ancient mosaics
• Concerns raised about the tour guide’s knowledge and delivery
• Some travelers felt the tour could have been better organized
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, food and drinks are not included in the tour. According to the tour details, food and drinks are not provided, and gratuities are also not included. Travelers will need to plan accordingly for any snacks or beverages they may want during the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Guests should dress comfortably for walking and exploring the historic site. Layered clothing is recommended in case of changes in weather. Sturdy walking shoes are advised.

Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and videography are allowed during the Italica tour. Visitors can take photos and record videos of the historic site, including the amphitheater and ancient mosaics, to capture the experience. However, flash photography may not be permitted in certain areas.

Can I Extend the Tour to Explore Seville’s City Center?

You can’t extend the Italica tour to explore Seville’s city center. The tour is focused solely on the Roman ruins and doesn’t include time to visit other Seville attractions. You’d need to book a separate tour or explore the city on your own.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. It’s guaranteed to run regardless of the group size, which can range up to a maximum of 60 travelers.

Sum Up

The "Seville: Game of Thrones and Roman Empire Italica Tour" offers a captivating blend of history and entertainment. Visitors can explore the impressive Roman ruins, admire the well-preserved mosaics, and step into the iconic Dragonpit from Game of Thrones. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides skip-the-line access and a rich historical experience, making it an intriguing option for both history buffs and pop culture enthusiasts.