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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.