Italica Tour from Seville Review: Roman Ruins, Gladiators, and Game of Thrones

Just a short drive from the heart of Seville lies a city frozen in time. Crumbling stone walls, intricate mosaics, and the remains of a once-mighty amphitheater tell the story of Italica—the first Roman city in what is now Spain and the birthplace of emperors.

But if you’re a Game of Thrones fan? You might recognize it as something even more legendary: the Dragonpit of King’s Landing.

I booked the Historical Italica: Half-Day Guided Tour from Seville, and it turned out to be one of the most surprisingly captivating mornings of my trip to Seville. Not only was it easy to reach (with transport included!), but walking the ancient streets with a guide made the ruins feel so much more alive.

Whether you’re a history nerd, a fantasy fan, or just looking for an easy day trip from Seville, this tour absolutely delivers.

In this post, I’ll break down exactly what to expect, what you’ll see, and whether the Italica tour is worth it (spoiler: it is). I’ve also included booking links so you can reserve your spot—because yes, this is one of those spots that’s so much better with a guide.

Psst… planning your trip to Seville? Check out these other posts!

• 3 Days in Seville: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• Where to Eat in Seville: Best Tapas Bars, Local Favorites, and Sweet Treats
• Get Transported to Dorne at the Real Alcazar Seville

What Is Italica and Why Visit?

Itálica isn’t just another set of old stones. This ancient Roman city was founded all the way back in 206 BC and grew to become a powerful hub of Roman influence in Hispania. It’s famous as the birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian, and it still preserves remarkably intact ruins—from aqueducts to mosaics to one of the largest amphitheaters in the Roman world.

Located in Santiponce, just 9 kilometers outside Seville, Italica is an easy half-day trip—especially if you join a guided tour with transportation included (more on that below).

It’s also one of Spain’s most important archaeological sites, designated a national monument and tentatively listed for UNESCO World Heritage status. Between the ancient Roman history and Game of Thrones connection, it’s a fascinating place to explore, whether or not you geek out about gladiators.

What’s Included in the Italica Tour from Seville

I took this Historical Italica: Half-Day Guided Tour from Seville with Naturanda, which made getting there super easy—no buses, no stress, just comfy transport from central Seville.

Here’s what’s included:

Not included: food or drinks—so bring water and maybe a snack if you’re someone who gets hangry!

The tour runs about 4 hours total, which I found to be the perfect amount of time. It didn’t eat up the whole day, but I still got a deep dive into the history and architecture of the site—plus a healthy dose of GOT trivia.

Tour Highlights: What You’ll See at the Italica Ruins

The Italica ruins blew me away more than I expected. I’ve seen my fair share of ancient sites, but there’s something about wandering these crumbling Roman streets—with barely any crowds—that makes it feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret. The guided tour really helped bring it all to life, and these were the standout moments:

The Roman Amphitheater (a.k.a. the Dragonpit)

Let’s start with the big one: the Roman amphitheater, which could once hold up to 25,000 spectators, making it one of the largest in the Roman world. It’s here that gladiators once fought, and if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll instantly recognize it as the Dragonpit of King’s Landing from Seasons 7 and 8.

Standing in the same spot where Daenerys, Jon Snow, and Cersei once met on screen is wildly surreal—and yes, your guide will give you all the behind-the-scenes filming details.

Intricate Mosaics and Roman Houses

Beyond the amphitheater, you’ll walk through ancient residential streets lined with preserved mosaics and the foundations of Roman villas. Two of the most famous homes are the House of Neptune and the House of the Birds, each named after their stunning tilework.

You’ll get a look at the layout of a typical Roman house—complete with indoor courtyards, bath areas, and even rudimentary plumbing systems. These homes once belonged to the elite of Roman society, and they still radiate a kind of faded grandeur.

Thermal Baths and Aqueducts

Italica was a fully functioning Roman city, and the remains of its thermal bath complex give a fascinating glimpse into daily life. You can still spot parts of the aqueduct system, which brought fresh water into the city—something your guide will explain in great detail (without sounding like a textbook, thankfully).

San Isidoro del Campo Monastery

After touring Italica, we made a short stop at the San Isidoro del Campo Monastery, a hidden gem that many visitors overlook. It’s a fascinating blend of Mudejar, Gothic, and Baroque styles, with mural paintings, historic tombs, and layers of religious history packed into a single stop.

Even if you’re mostly here for the Roman ruins, the monastery adds depth to the experience—and it’s included in the tour price, which feels like a bonus.

My Experience on the Italica Tour from Seville

I’ll be honest: I was always more of a Greek mythology girl growing up (if you know, you know). The whole Roman empire thing never really grabbed me in the same way. But I am a sucker for ancient ruins—and as a Game of Thrones fan, the chance to visit the real-life Dragonpit? Yeah, I was in.

Even with my mild Roman bias, I was genuinely impressed—and very glad I didn’t try to DIY this one. This is absolutely the kind of place where a guide makes all the difference. The ruins are sprawling and full of nuance, and I would’ve missed so many incredible details if I’d wandered through on my own.

A Private Tour by Pure Luck

Though it’s technically a group tour, I went during low season (December) and lucked out—no one else had booked that morning, so it ended up being a private tour for me and my travel buddy.

Our guide was warm, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. He adjusted the pace to match our curiosity and shared so many stories—from the history of emperors Trajan and Hadrian, to the logistics of Roman plumbing, to how the Game of Thrones production team set up for filming. There was never a dull moment.

Game of Thrones Meets Ancient Rome

As we stepped into the massive Roman amphitheater, he pulled out stills from Game of Thrones and showed us exactly where Daenerys, Jon Snow, and Cersei stood in the Dragonpit scenes. I’m not gonna lie—this was the part I was most excited about, and it totally lived up to the hype.

There’s something wild about standing in a place that blends fiction and history so seamlessly. One minute you’re imagining gladiator battles; the next, you’re picturing dragons.

A Hidden Gem Monastery

After Italica, we drove over to the Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo, which was a lovely surprise. I hadn’t read much about it beforehand, but the Mudejar and Gothic architecture, frescoes, and sense of quiet history added a really peaceful, reflective end to the day.

Final Thoughts on the Tour

This wasn’t just a filler half-day tour—it was a highlight of my time in Seville. Everything was taken care of (transport, tickets, expert guide), and I left with a much deeper appreciation for Roman Spain—and a camera roll full of mosaics, stone archways, and “OMG I stood in the Dragonpit” selfies.

If you’re in Seville and want a break from tapas and palaces, book this tour. Whether you’re in it for the Game of Thrones scenes, the Roman ruins, or just a half-day adventure, it’s absolutely worth your time.

Italica and Game of Thrones: Step Into the Dragonpit

Let’s be real—while the Roman history is incredible, a big part of the draw (at least for me) was the fact that Italica was a Game of Thrones filming location.

In Seasons 7 and 8, the amphitheater at Italica was transformed into the Dragonpit of King’s Landing, the crumbling ruin where the show’s biggest characters finally came face-to-face. Think Daenerys arriving with her dragons, Cersei throwing shade, Jon brooding—it all happened right here.

Standing in the same place where they filmed that iconic scene? Surreal. Especially when your guide pulls up stills from the show and points out where the actors stood, how they framed the shots, and even where CGI filled in the rest. You can actually walk through the same tunnel the characters entered through, and it’s easy to imagine the camera crews bustling around, prepping for what would become one of the show’s most talked-about episodes.

It’s not just a gimmick either—the setting makes perfect sense. With its massive stone arena and weathered grandeur, the Italica amphitheater looks like it was made for dragons. And the fact that it’s one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the world (capacity: 25,000!) makes it even cooler.

Whether you’re a casual viewer or a full-on Westerosi lore nerd, this is a must-see stop on any Game of Thrones tour of Spain. And bonus: unlike Dubrovnik or Girona, there are barely any crowds. You might even have the whole Dragonpit to yourself for a moment.

If you’re combining Italica with more must-see spots in Seville, don’t miss the stunning Real Alcázar—another filming location for Game of Thrones and one of the most unique palaces in Europe. Check out my full guide here: How to Visit the Real Alcázar of Seville

How to Book the Italica Tour from Seville

If you’re ready to time-travel to ancient Rome and Westeros in one morning, booking the Historical Italica: Half-Day Guided Tour from Seville is super easy—and 100% worth it.

I booked mine through Tripadvisor here, which includes:

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling in the off-season like I was (December), you might luck out and end up with a more intimate or even private tour. But even in peak season, this is one of the best value-for-money excursions near Seville.

Booking Options

You’ll choose your meeting point during checkout (there are three central options), and tours typically start around 10:00 AM and last about 4 hours total. You’ll be back in Seville with plenty of time for lunch and a siesta—or more exploring.

Option 2: Game of Thrones & Roman Empire Italica Tour

Prefer to focus mostly on the Game of Thrones side of things? This tour dives deep into the filming locations while still covering the most important Roman ruins, like the Domus de Neptuno, Casa de los Pájaros, and of course, the Dragonpit amphitheater.

FAQs About Visiting Italica from Seville

Final Thoughts: Is the Italica Tour Worth It?

Absolutely.

Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan eager to stand in the Dragonpit or a history lover curious about the first Roman city in Spain, a visit to Italica is one of the most unique things you can do near Seville. The ruins are genuinely impressive, the amphitheater is goosebump-inducing, and the storytelling from a great guide brings it all to life in a way that wandering solo just can’t match.

I was skeptical going in (remember, Greek girl at heart), but I walked away with a new appreciation for Roman engineering, ancient mosaics, and yes—even the legacy of Game of Thrones.

If you’re looking for a half-day trip from Seville that’s rich in history, culture, and cinematic cool points, then this tour checks all the boxes.

And if you’re planning a bigger Spain itinerary and want help booking the perfect tours, stays, and experiences? I’d love to help. Check out my custom travel planning services to get started.