Continuing with our blogs on San Pedro’s historic legacy, we continue with the last but not least historical monument located in the town— the Paleochristian Basilica Vega del Mar.
The remains of basilica were initially found around 1915-16 when eucalyptus plantations were taking place in the area, and henceforth the first archaeological excavation was initiated. Then from 1929 to 1930, intense activity was carried out excavating the vaulted Roman baths, the basilica at Vega del Mar together with the adjacent area.
The building has a basilica floor plan consisting of a double apse and a necropolis, and although it was modestly built, constructed using pebbles and boulders from nearby rivers mixed with lime and mortar, it does provide an important historical context to the area. It is considered to be one of the oldest early-Christian archaeological ruins.
This basilica is one of the most important examples in Spain of Paleo-Christian architecture, and although there has been some controversy with the chronological origin and evolution of the building, the construction of the basilica took place between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD, being destroyed by an earthquake after this period.
Also, other archaeology works that were carried out have revealed the basilica’s plan and a surrounding necropolis has over 180 burial chambers of different types.
The surrounding area has also been lavish in archaeological remains such as clay baskets, jewels, coins and epigraphic plates, mostly corresponding to funeral garments. These are currently held at the National Archaeological Museum, located in Málaga, as well as at Marbella’s town hall.
The Paleochristian basilica Vega del Mar is located in C/ Eucaliptos, Urb. Linda Vista Playa in San Pedro, close to the beach.
Group tours can be booked for free guided visits, which are held from 11.15hr to 14:00hr on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Email the tourist office and request a tour in English at otsanpedro@marbella.es.
Tourist office – Marqués del Duero, 69, San Pedro Alcántara
Images and information courtesy of: Diputación de Málaga, Turismo
