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Fuente Álamo Roman Villa, located in Puente Genil (Córdoba) is an archaeological site with a continuous human occupation over a thousand years. The first Roman settlement what is a resort built in the first half of the first century AD where water played a dual role, related to leisure and religious practice. About this architectural Roman Villa was built whose mosaics and excellent state of preservation, have been the primary point of interest. Just here you can see the exceptional throughout the Roman Empire of the mosaics of the Triumph of Bacchus, of the Three Graces or the so-called Nilotic mosaic. The last stage is Fuente Alamo Islamic settlement takes the above to form a farmhouse where a mill or mill stands of oil that reaches the end of the Caliphate of Cordoba.
Surely a fascinating journey to the story that will surprise you.
FUENTE ÁLAMO ROMAN VILLA
1) WELCOME
GPS de WELCOME: 37.4177, -4.72524
Hail Visitor! Puente Genil Town Hall welcomes you to Fuente Álamo. This is a place full of history, inhabited by men and women for more than two thousand years. Their hopes, feelings, wishes and memories all originated here, so we cannot fail to... leer más
Hail Visitor! Puente Genil Town Hall welcomes you to Fuente Álamo. This is a place full of history, inhabited by men and women for more than two thousand years. Their hopes, feelings, wishes and memories all originated here, so we cannot fail to respect their memory. You are about to visit the physical traces of this presence. As you will see in a few moments, Fuente Álamo is a unique and unrepeatable enclave that must be preserved. That is why it was declared Heritage of Cultural Interest in 2005 with the highest legal protection. The visit comprises three areas: the permanent exhibition at the Visitor’s Centre, the excavated area and the olive grove. The audio guided tour starts at the viewpoint. So go up, and enjoy this journey to your past.
2) THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE
GPS de THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE: 37.417, -4.72461
This landscape you are contemplating, today dominated by the olive grove, was in yesteryears a special place. The abundant availability of such an essential element for life as water is, still visible at the small gallery forest to your left,... leer más
This landscape you are contemplating, today dominated by the olive grove, was in yesteryears a special place. The abundant availability of such an essential element for life as water is, still visible at the small gallery forest to your left, brought along constant human settlements, as well as the healthy climate conditions, the fertile lands and the good communications. Fuente Álamo is located at a true crossroads, surrounded by former roman towns such as Ostippo, today Estepa, which you can visualize to your right, perched on a mountainside. An example of Islamic times is the the Anzur Castle, opposite to the south, very close to the old steps over the Genil river, the roman Singilis. Romans and Muslims understood the privileged conditions of this place to live and also die; that is why the memory of this place has endured and so its name, which comes from the fountain next to the poplar that had provided water from time immemorial, name that has remained the same until our days. (Pause). You can now head to the excavated area through the path following the indicated itinerary.
3) WATER’S DIVINE PLEASURE
GPS de WATER’S DIVINE PLEASURE: 37.4164, -4.72494
The existence of a large cold water spring did not go unnoticed for the Romans, who built a set of buildings in which water probably had two uses: for worship, to make offerings to divinities, and spa, for leisure and personal hygiene. If you... leer más
The existence of a large cold water spring did not go unnoticed for the Romans, who built a set of buildings in which water probably had two uses: for worship, to make offerings to divinities, and spa, for leisure and personal hygiene. If you lived in old times you would know the relationship between men and nature is not only based on dependency but it is also a magical-religious relation. Water is the base of all things and has the ability to purify, heal, and give life, as a sacred and miraculous element as it is. Therefore, it is not strange that such abundance of water was sacralized. The location of Fuente Álamo at a crossroads favoured the construction of a monumental architectural and hydraulic complex that would attract the inhabitants of the area, travellers, pilgrims and worshippers grateful to the aquatic divinities. Listen to track number 4 to learn more about the spa.
4) THE SPA AT FUENTE ÁLAMO
GPS de THE SPA AT FUENTE ÁLAMO: 37.4165, -4.72482
The spa at Fuente Álamo was formed by a set of hot and cold water swimming pools, fountains, cisterns to store water, and facilities for visitors, out of which the rectangular pond and the round swimming pool can be visited today. Let’s talk... leer más
The spa at Fuente Álamo was formed by a set of hot and cold water swimming pools, fountains, cisterns to store water, and facilities for visitors, out of which the rectangular pond and the round swimming pool can be visited today. Let’s talk about this last one. The remains preserved make us believe that this swimming pool had a 16 meters’ diameter. It was built in opus signinum, that is, a waterproof concrete made of lime, sand and brick dust. If you come closer you will see the step inside, along the swimming pool closing wall, possibly for the bathers to sit. It is also surrounded by a covered gallery that rests on brick columns. Next to this swimming pool there were rooms for visitors’ use, just as this one you have before you that still conserves the two hinges for a large two-leaf door. However, the most impressive element is the mosaic floor. If you want to learn about mosaics, listen to track number 5
5) MOSAICS: STONE SYMBOLS
GPS de MOSAICS: STONE SYMBOLS: 37.4165, -4.72482
Fuente Álamo is known for possessing one of the most important mosaic collections in Spain, but, do you know what a mosaic is? Let’s see...a mosaic is a decorative art used to pave floors or decorate walls using tesserae, that is, small... leer más
Fuente Álamo is known for possessing one of the most important mosaic collections in Spain, but, do you know what a mosaic is? Let’s see…a mosaic is a decorative art used to pave floors or decorate walls using tesserae, that is, small fragments of glass, marble, ceramic or stone that create images or designs. Although the mosaic art was known way before, Rome reached the highest perfection in this technique, to such an extent that for all of us speaking of mosaics is speaking of Romans. Mosaics are in most cases, anonymous works. Elaborating a mosaic was a very laborious work that required a strict distribution of tasks, in which a great number of people were involved. Most of these artisans moved from one town to another to undertake the job. Little is known about their clients. We can say though that mosaics are an expression of power both public and private, a reflection of the client’s social status and wealth. Either with abstract or geometrical motives, using one or several colours, Romans represented a wide range of scenes in their mosaics: nature, everyday life, games or gods scenes. Those known to the date in Fuente Álamo present a wide variety of styles, designs, expertise and periods. If you would like to hear the description of the mosaic you have before you, go to track number 6.
6) COLOUR AND GEOMETRY
GPS de COLOUR AND GEOMETRY: 37.4165, -4.72482
This mosaic is made of thousands of tesserae in different colours, with a size of 8 to 10 millimetres. A band formed by triangles in red or black colour frames the two carpets that make it up. The larger one is framed by a border decorated with a... leer más
This mosaic is made of thousands of tesserae in different colours, with a size of 8 to 10 millimetres. A band formed by triangles in red or black colour frames the two carpets that make it up. The larger one is framed by a border decorated with a two strand braid. Tri-dimensional elongated cubes give movement to the scene, embracing a labyrinth where our imagination gets lost. The square in the centre is decorated with a Salomon’s knot, and the other four with a small square. The smaller carpet contains a geometrical composition of bipartite scales and seems to correspond to the place where the lectus was located, the bed or couch used both to sleep and eat while lying. You can now enter carefully in the following visit space and listen to track number 7.
7) THE ROUND SWIMMING POOL
GPS de THE ROUND SWIMMING POOL: 37.4165, -4.72488
You have travelled through time; in fact, in order to see the remains of the spa again you have entered the foundations of a house built approximately a hundred years later. All you can see down here was built a thousand and nine hundred years... leer más
You have travelled through time; in fact, in order to see the remains of the spa again you have entered the foundations of a house built approximately a hundred years later. All you can see down here was built a thousand and nine hundred years ago; what you have above your head….let’s be patient, you will see that later. Here now, you can still observe the round swimming pool. Do you see the brick column that sustained the gallery surrounding the swimming pool? It is covered by paint, just as the ceiling and the walls, in green, red, black and white, making geometrical and vegetal motifs. Opposite, a similar room was paved with another mosaic. In order to hear the description of this mosaic, listen to track number 8.
8) THE MOSAICS AT THE SPA
GPS de THE MOSAICS AT THE SPA: 0, 0
With similar tesserae in color and size as the previous one, this mosaic has a border decorated with ogives and scales framing the inside of the mosaic, formed by two carpets. The main one is surrounded by a band decorated with a twisted rope... leer más
With similar tesserae in color and size as the previous one, this mosaic has a border decorated with ogives and scales framing the inside of the mosaic, formed by two carpets. The main one is surrounded by a band decorated with a twisted rope design, having lines of squares in which the use of color confers perspective and tridimensionality. The second carpet shows a geometrical composition of peltes’ lines framed by a cross in the central vertex. The walls are decorated by paintings that simulate architectures, creating a space where furniture was scarce and functional: a few chests, a wardrobe and the lectus…all illuminated by candle lights and oil lamps. You can now go outside and continue your visit following the itinerary indicated
9) THE ROMAN VILLA, LEISURE AND BUSINESS
GPS de THE ROMAN VILLA, LEISURE AND BUSINESS: 37.4166, -4.72476
As for now, the reason why the spa was abandoned remains a mystery. What we do know is that a hundred years later a rich and well-off man decided to build a great villa there, over the still visible remains. But…what do we mean by this?... leer más
As for now, the reason why the spa was abandoned remains a mystery. What we do know is that a hundred years later a rich and well-off man decided to build a great villa there, over the still visible remains. But…what do we mean by this? Essentially, a villa is a construction in the countryside that served two purposes: support for farming activities and well-being and comfort for its owners. Villas cannot be understood without taking into account that the land was not only the base of the economy in the Roman Empire, but also the main element in which the elites based their social prestige and political power. What you are looking at now is a part of the villa where the owner lived. Here, surrounded by city life comforts, the dominus or master of the house took care of his business and leisure time. Although the walls are naked today, they were in old days painted in vivid colours, that together with the mosaics, the marble and the sculptures composed a symphony of luxury and ostentation. Thus, all these spaces are paved with mosaics, some with multi-color tesserae and others in black and white. So don’t be fooled…in this period only the rich could have this kind of floors in their houses. You can now continue to the spot indicated in the audio guide and listen to track number 10 to learn about how these spaces were distributed
10) THE ARCHITECTURE OF POWER
GPS de THE ARCHITECTURE OF POWER: 0, 0
Once you are located in the spot the map indicates, you will see to your right a great corridor over 30 meters long, paved with a geometrical mosaic in different colours; this is one of the largest found in Spain up to this date. It is a public... leer más
Once you are located in the spot the map indicates, you will see to your right a great corridor over 30 meters long, paved with a geometrical mosaic in different colours; this is one of the largest found in Spain up to this date. It is a public space that gave access to the different areas in the house. Its great dimensions were, for first time visitors, a sign of the owner’s category and power. You can see that from this point one could go to the private areas of the house or take the stairs to reach a hall that gave access to the areas dedicated to farming activities. The rooms to your left correspond to the cubicula, the bedrooms, which were the most intimate areas and therefore all had and antechamber to protect from indiscreet looks. However, the room located before you is more complex. It has an anteroom (that prevents from undesired looks inside) and a small room isolating and preceding the main room. The room has a central corridor and two elevated tribunes. The apse and niches both surrounding and finishing off the space highlight the fact that we are in a room for special purposes or practices: worship to the Emperor, to the family gods, library or private dining-hall…even for some people the room evokes the layout of the sanctuaries conceived to worship the mysterious oriental Mithras. There is no doubt though that the room changed its function along the centuries that was used, either due to the change in the owner’s tastes, hobbies or religious beliefs or due to the arrival of new people following the abandonment of the villa. An example of this last possibility dating from the Islamic period is the small brick structure over the mosaic in the central corridor, no more, no less than a fireplace to cook. Now please cross the footbridge, as you have a few surprises left
11) A ROOM TO SHOW OFF
GPS de A ROOM TO SHOW OFF: 0, 0
Among the rooms that made up the residential area of the villa at Fuente Álamo, this space stands out due to its special characteristics. The layout and the mosaic decoration, the richest in the excavated complex, could make us think of a double... leer más
Among the rooms that made up the residential area of the villa at Fuente Álamo, this space stands out due to its special characteristics. The layout and the mosaic decoration, the richest in the excavated complex, could make us think of a double use, as a great triclinium or dining hall and as oecus, that is, a room conceived for the master’s receptions. In the first case, the semicircular space located at the head of the room was intended to house a piece of furniture with the same shape, called sigma or stibadium. The advantage of this couch is that it cleared great part of the room, allowing guests a better view of theater plays, music and poetry recitation that usually took place during the receptions. When used as a reception room the master practiced the salutatio, the morning ceremony in which the master sees clients, debtors or just friends. Imagine him sitting at the head, in an elevated position that clearly separated him from the rest, forgiving debts, closing business or doing favors…it is the expression of his power, wealth and social status. You can now listen to track 12.
12) ABOUT MEN AND GODS: The Three Graces
GPS de ABOUT MEN AND GODS: The Three Graces: 0, 0
Without a doubt, the most impressive elements in this room are the figurative mosaics. Scenes represented come from this fantastic world of gods and heroes that Greeks used to explain the origin of the world and men, nature and its forces, that... leer más
Without a doubt, the most impressive elements in this room are the figurative mosaics. Scenes represented come from this fantastic world of gods and heroes that Greeks used to explain the origin of the world and men, nature and its forces, that Romans wisely adopted. The first mosaic represents the Three Graces, goddesses of joy, charm and beauty. Their names are Aglaea (‘the shining one’), Euphrosyne (‘good cheer’) and Thalia (‘flourishing’). They preside over the ceremonies, dances and all pleasant social events. They were a special company to the Love divinities, Aphrodite and Eros, and together with the Muses, their companions, sang to the gods in Mount Olympus and danced to the rhythm of the beautiful music that Apollo played with his lyre. They were always dancing; that is exactly the attitude in which artworks have mostly represented them, as we find them here in the central composition you are observing: they are holding hands preparing for the dance. To their left, Pegasus, the god’s winged horse is fed by a nymph; to the right, a satyr is engaged in his favorite activity, pursuing the nymphs, as they were never sexually satisfied. Listen to track number 13 to learn about the next mosaic.
13) THE TRIUMPH OF BACCHUS
GPS de THE TRIUMPH OF BACCHUS: 0, 0
The second figurative mosaic is known as The Triumph Bacchus. The Greek Dionysus was a very popular god in the ancient world. God of wine, fertility and vegetation, Bacchus taught men the cultivation of the vine. About him it is said “He... leer más
The second figurative mosaic is known as The Triumph Bacchus. The Greek Dionysus was a very popular god in the ancient world. God of wine, fertility and vegetation, Bacchus taught men the cultivation of the vine. About him it is said “He discovered the moist drink of the grape cluster and introduced [it] to mortals. It relieves afflicted men from pain, when they are filled with the juice of the vine. It gives sleep and forgetfulness of daily evils, nor is there any other medicine for distress”. His legend is complex due to the diversity of locations where it developed. One of the episodes says he conquered the entire Orient and arrived in India, and it is that very event this mosaic in Fuente Álamo pictures. In the lower scene, Bacchus, bearing a crown of vine leafs and grape clusters attacks and Indian. Satyrs and nymphs, loyal followers of this god, come to the attack while the Indians try to defend themselves. One of them, standing on his feet, brandishes his sword and shield in a vain attempt to survive. The possession and madness the god inspires is such that his followers are able to tear animals and even human beings apart with their only hands. Rejoicing for his victory, Bacchus marches triumphally in the upper scene in a chariot pulled by tigresses. Leading his entourage carried by a small donkey, Silenus, Bacchus’ former tutor and man of great wisdom, often intoxicated as only so has he the power of prophecy. At the center of the composition, the god Pan, protector of shepherds and flocks with a human look though animal traits. To the left, Bacchus with Ariadne, his loyal lover. Listen to track number 14 to complete the details about mosaics in this room.
14) THE VENERIDS MOSAIC
GPS de THE VENERIDS MOSAIC: 0, 0
The apse that finishes this room off is paved by a multi-colour tesserae mosaic with a shell divided into 28 segments as a central theme. The shell has a wave at its base simulating its movement. All is framed by a border with acanthus spiral... leer más
The apse that finishes this room off is paved by a multi-colour tesserae mosaic with a shell divided into 28 segments as a central theme. The shell has a wave at its base simulating its movement. All is framed by a border with acanthus spiral volutes among which fleur-de-lis flowers arise. We are possibly looking at a representation of the Goddess of love, Venus, emerging from the sea in a shell. With this design, the owner of the house wanted to symbolize the spirit of fertility, regeneration and vitality, the maximum expression of a modus vivendi or lifestyle. Now listen to track 15
15) FAREWELL
GPS de FAREWELL: 0, 0
This is the end of the audio-guided tour. You can now continue the itinerary indicated. We hope to have transmitted you at least a bit of the passion we feel for this place. If not, we may have failed in our purpose of bringing the patrimony... leer más
This is the end of the audio-guided tour. You can now continue the itinerary indicated. We hope to have transmitted you at least a bit of the passion we feel for this place. If not, we may have failed in our purpose of bringing the patrimony closer to you, which is something precious that belongs to you and as such, something that must be transmitted in the best condition possible to our children. All right! May the gods be favourable to you.
Audioguías Móvil
