The Roman or Bourbon Way

Throughout the Modern Age this roadway, which during the second half of the 18th century and as a result of Bourbon policies became the Royal Roadway of Andalusia, was established as an important axis for agricultural and economic development and the spreading of ideas. The lands that border the road and river are dotted with haciendas and farmhouses, and extensive agricultural complexes that supplied the Galleons and Fleets bound for the Indies with food. Even though farms producing olive oil occupied the greatest extension of land, they were not alone as there was truly diverse trade in oils, wines, cereals, blankets, etc. 

It is traditionally known as the "Vía Augusta", although it would be more correct to call it Roman Road "A Gadibus Romam". In Roman times it connected Gades with the Upper Guadalquivir region and the eastern peninsular after passing through the Sierra Morena. It joined the fertile plain of Seville to that of Córdoba through the green fields of Carmona and Écija, continuing as far as Cástulo (Linares), Andújar and Mengíbar (Iliturgi). At this point, the road forks and there are several alternatives which could be considered as different extensions until they reach the mountains, either to access the Plateau via Despeñaperros and the Muradal mountain pass (Road from Toledo to Granada), or Eastern Spain through the town of Montizón. 

The natural, historical, cultural and gastronomic heritage to be found along this ancient roadway is so vast that it is very difficult to summarise in just a few lines. Contrasting landscapes including pastures, countryside, riverside forests, mountains, a sea of olive trees, etc. It embraces an unimaginable number of monumental towns and cities that in many cases go unnoticed by travellers eager for experiences: Seville, Carmona, Écija, Córdoba, Montoro, Andújar, Arjona, Jaén and Linares. But in addition to the innumerable historical complexes along the road, there are also archaeological and monumental sites or areas under environmental protection that make up an extraordinary itinerary, including: La Cartuja pottery workshop in Seville, Itálica, Archaeological site and the Carmona Necropolis, Cercadilla, Synagogue and Mosque in Córdoba, Groves of La Albolafia, Meandro de Montoro, Cerrillo Blanco, Forest of La Bañizuela, Castle of Santa Catalina, Puente Tablas, Iliturgi, Cástulo, El Piélago, mining district of Linares – La Carolina, Despeñaperros, Los Órganos, etc.

Such a great adventure for you to enjoy!