Category Archives: R. Doug Wicker

The uphill trek we were warned about wasn’t nearly as bad as our guide intimated. After traveling through the old town, with a stop along the way at the Archeological History Museum, we made it barely winded. We now were approaching the Sagunto Roman Theatre, an 8,000-seat amphitheater used today. And if the theater doesn’t look all that old to you, that’s because it was given a controversial restoration/facelift in 1994.

The image above is the façade facing north toward the town of Sagunto. We’re going to make our way around the left side, where you’ll find the entrance looking much as it has for centuries:

Before we step inside, take a look over that wall to the left (above) and peer down into the medieval Jewish Quarter of Sagunto:

Inside the amphitheater with its restored stage you’ll find a contrasting blend of old versus new:

The theater’s restored seating area:

Time to head back down the hill and rejoin the remainder of our group awaiting us in Plaza Mayor. On the way back, we’ll look up to the castle, down toward Santa María, and take in some street scenes:

Our tour left Valencia and traveled north for our next destination, the city of Sagunto, site of the Roman city of Saguntum. And Sagunto has it all — a gothic church (Iglesia de Santa María) begun in 1334 and not completed until centuries later; a wonderful archeological museum (Museo Arqueologico de Sagunto) featuring Roman artifacts; a recently restored 8,000-seat Roman theater, and Sagunto Castle overlooking the city and dating back to the 8th century.

We were advised that the trek would be uphill, so several of our group decided to forego the walk and imbibe in some beer at one of the outdoor cafés at the southeast corner of Plaza Mayor. The rest of us followed our guide as he headed south along Calle del Castell. Along this stretch you’ll find scenes such as:

You’ll know when you’re about to reach the archeological history museum when you pass this charmer:

We’re here, so let’s step inside and look around:

Stepping back out onto the street, we headed east along Calle Dels Delors as we made our way to the Roman Theatre. Take a look back to find the bell tower of Santa María poking above the tiled roofs of Sagunto:

But don’t just look back. Look up as well to find Sagunto Castle high above: