Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Acinipo: A Glimpse into Roman History
Acinipo, or Ronda la Vieja (Old Ronda) is a captivating archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the Roman era of southern Spain. Located just a short drive from Ronda, Acinipo boasts well-preserved ruins that tell the story of a once-thriving Roman city.
Visitors to Acinipo can explore the remnants of a grand amphitheater, which could seat up to 2,000 spectators and stands as a testament to the city’s historical significance. The site also features ruins of Roman baths, residential areas, and intricate mosaics that provide insights into the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants.
Nestled atop a hill, Acinipo offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it not only a journey through history but also a scenic adventure. The combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes Acinipo a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Discover more about this remarkable site and plan your visit to Acinipo to walk through the pages of history and experience the grandeur of Roman civilization firsthand.
Some history of the Acinipo Ruined Roman City
It is hard to believe that Ronda was once a major centre in the Iberian provinces of the Roman Empire, however a quick look at the history books will find references to Acinipo and the terrible battles that occurred at Monda during a civil war between Julius Caesar and the sons of Pompey.
Acinipo the city was most likely founded by native Iberians several thousand years ago, and archeological evidence at the site shows a bronze age settlement existed here between 1100BC and 750BC, and a Carthiginian town may well have been established after this period, before the fall of Carthage in the Punic wars.
Want to read learn some language? Read this articles Spanish translation here….
However the most obvious history of Acinipo relates to the Roman era, starting from 202BC until the fall of the city nearly 700 years later. At its height, Acinipo was home to 5,000 Romans, with many more believed to inhabit the countryside and the castle of Arunda (modern day Ronda).
The district at one point in the first century AD was so important that Acinipo minted its own coins for a brief few years (56-53BC), and led to the construction of the amphitheatre capable of seating 2,000 people.
In fact, after Caesar’s civil war many parcels of land were given to veterans in his legions who settled with their wives and children, became tradespeople, or grew grapes for making into wine. The name Acinipo means “amongst the vineyards”.
E-Bike – Acinipo and Setenil Circular Guided Cycling Tour
Fancy visiting Acinipo by bike? A cycling journey through history. An undulating mountain loop from Ronda up into the hills and the Roman remains of Acinipo. Continue riding down to the ancient riverside “cavehouses” of Setenil de las Bodegas and then back up to Ronda. Quiet roads with long ascents and descents.
Situated at 999 metres above sea level with commanding views over the area, Acinipo was never threatened by barbarians, in fact the Iberian population of the time was completely Roman in almost every way, and life was more or less safe and prosperous. Acinipo was a complete city, with public buildings, the ampitheatre, Roman baths, temples; everything a Roman citizen could need.
During the time of Acinipo’s dominance over the area we know that Roman settlements also existed at Grazalema, Setenil de las Bodegas, Olvera, Antequera, Juzcar, and of course Arunda, where a castle and military fortress was built to keep the army out of the major civilian towns.
Sadly the fortunes of Acinipo were strongly tied to the fate of the Roman Empire, and as barbarians threatened Rome from the north many of her citizens moved to military settlements for protection. As a consequence Arunda slowly became the bigger town, and Acinipo declined. By the time Rome fell in 495AD, Acinipo was all but abandoned, and soon fell into disrepair.
Directions: Take the road to Sevilla (A-376), and after 7km turn right into MA-7402 signposted for Acinipo and Ronda la Vieja.
Opening times
Monday and Tuesday : Closed
Wednesday to Saturday – 9 am to 2pm
(The hours were current at publishing time but may alter at any time…. Check the opening times before you go by visiting the tourist office in Ronda first.)
The Acinipo Facebook page also publishes opening times for the current and next month. https://www.facebook.com/acinipoenclavearqueologico/
FAQ: Visiting Acinipo – Roman Ruins Near Ronda
Acinipo, also known as Ronda la Vieja (Old Ronda), is a major Roman archaeological site about 20 km from Ronda in southern Spain. Originally a Bronze Age settlement (1100–750 BC), it later became a Roman city built for retired legionaries after Caesar’s civil war. At its peak in the 1st century AD, it housed up to 5,000 people and even minted its own coins, underscoring its regional importance.
The site features one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in Spain, carved into a hillside and capable of seating around 2,000 spectators. Visitors can also see remains of Roman baths, sections of a domus (wealthy home), possible forum ruins, and traces of intricate mosaics. The elevated location offers sweeping views of the Andalusian countryside.
As the Roman Empire weakened and northern threats increased, many residents relocated to the more defensible settlement of Arunda—modern-day Ronda. Acinipo gradually declined and was mostly abandoned by the late 5th century AD, around the same time as the fall of Rome.
From Ronda, take the A-376 toward Sevilla for about 7 km, then follow the MA-7402 signs to Acinipo. Driving is recommended, though guided e-bike tours from Ronda, sometimes including Setenil de las Bodegas, are also available. Acinipo is open Wednesday to Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always check with the Ronda tourist office or Acinipo’s Facebook page for the latest updates.
Acinipo was part of a wider network of Roman settlements including Grazalema, Olvera, Antequera, Juzcar, and Setenil de las Bodegas—famous for its cave houses. Arunda (Ronda) later became the key military centre in the region, helping to preserve Roman influence in Andalusia.
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