What is “La Basilica de Vega del Mar”?
La Basilica de Vega del Mar was a Paleo-Christian (early Christian) church and necropolis (burial site), located in the heart of a eucalyptus forest by the Guadalmina river, just outside of Marbella. The site now houses the unique and expansive remains of the Basilica including its foundations and evidence of the burial site. Items discovered on the site were deemed so important to Spanish history that they are now exhibited in the National Museum of Archaeology in Madrid.
It lies on a well-known Roman route that stretches from Cartagena to Cádiz, and was once part of the Roman city of Cilniana. The original church was built in the mid-fourth century, and is said to have been destroyed in the ruinous earthquake that occurred in the Mediterranean in the year 365 AD.
Evidence discovered at the site, in the form of gravestones and coins, suggest that the existing edifice was built in the sixth century, atop the relics of the earlier construction. A tombstone coloured “Constantine Crimson” after the Emperor Constantine discovered on the site is arguably the oldest tombstone found anywhere in Spain, demonstrating the site´s considerable importance in Spanish history, making it a must-see when visiting Marbella.
Entry
It is free to view the site, it is only open 11:00 - 13:00 on FRIDAYS outside of these hours you have to call the Delegación Municipal de Cultura on 952 825 035 to arrange a visit and obtain keys from either Marbella or San Pedro tourist office.