Sagunto

An opportunity to dive deep into the history, art, culture, traditions, myths and legends of the third largest castle in Spain. We will explore the famous circus and roman theatre, (interactive museum); followed by visiting the historic center, that has more than 2,000 years of history. Sagunto has been home to Romans, Visigoths and Muslims since it was founded in 138 BC, and boasts one of the largest historic centers in Europe. We will discover the work of the Sagunto architect Santiago Calatrava, who has several buildings that have become icons of the city. It is a scientific and cultural Leisure complex better known as the City. We will discover the very Holy Chalice inside the Cathedral, feel the emotion of the Forsaken and get to know the Central Market with all its stalls full of top-quality fresh food. Rest enjoying some tapas in the sun on one of its terraces and continue, a jewel of civil Gothic. What we visit Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Calle de las Barcas, La Nao University, Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas, Plaza Redonda Plaza Santa Catalina, Plaza de la Reina, Cathedral, Plaza de la Almoina, Plaza de la Virgen, Royal Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados. And next explore the Hidden Wonders of Cuevas de San José 🌟 Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours Location: Vall d’Uixó, Spain Description: The Cuevas de San José are an underground treasure known only to the true locals. Venture into a magical world of stalactites and stalagmites, where rock formations appear as if sculpted by fairies. The tour takes you through narrow passageways and awe-inspiring chambers, illuminated by soft lights that enhance the natural beauty. Listen to the echo of your footsteps as you explore the depths of these caves and marvel at nature’s grandeur. 🔍 Highlights: Stalactites and Stalagmites: The caves house a variety of rock formations, from delicate hanging stalactites to sturdy rising stalagmites. Subterranean River: A subterranean river winds its way through the caves, creating a unique aquatic landscape. You can explore it on a small boat for an even more fascinating experience. History and Legends: Locals share stories about these caves, some of which date back to ancient times. Discover the myths and legends surrounding this special place. Here is a description of some of the rooms: Sala de los Murciélagos: This room is named after the presence of colonies of bats. Lake Diana: In this room, you will find a beautiful underground lake. The illumination creates a magical atmosphere while you navigate in the boat. Paseo de los Enamorados: This passage is narrow and winding. Its name evokes romance and mystery. Hall of Stalactites and Stalagmites: Here you can admire impressive formations of stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites emerging from the floor. Get ready to immerse yourself in an underground world full of wonders at the Cuevas de San José!

Discover the hidden gems beyond Valencia with a full-day private tour to the Caves of San Josep and Sagunto. Venture about 50 minutes north to Vall d’Uixo in Castellon, where nature's wonders await. Glide through the longest navigable subterranean river in Europe, surrounded by illuminated caves—a breathtaking journey into the heart of the mountain. Explore pre-historic Iberian remains and a 19th-century hermitage, all set against picturesque views. Next, visit Sagunto, a town rich in Roman and Medieval Jewish history. Explore the largest Roman fort on the Iberian peninsula, witness the Roman theater, and stroll through the Jewish quarter with its cemeteries and Mikveh bath. Your private guide provides insights into the Second Punic War's impact on Sagunto and the town's Imperial Age prominence.

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 neighbourhood 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 tranquillity, 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.