It is one of the best-preserved Roman villas in all of Spain, located in Malaga, and the visit is free on this day of the week.

The province of Málaga is also well-known for its rich and extensive historical and cultural heritage. Specifically, along its coast, it holds one of the best-preserved secrets from the Roman era: the Villa Antiopa. This archaeological site, specifically located in Torre de Benagalbón, within the municipality of Rincón de la Victoria, is a third-century archaeological treasure that amazes with its exceptional state of preservation and the impressive legacy it offers to its visitors. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2008, and is undoubtedly a must-visit for lovers of history and classical culture. Best of all: visits are free on Mondays by reservation.

A piece of Rome on the shores of the Mediterranean

The Villa Antiopa reflects the luxury and power of the high Roman society. It is strategically located next to the Mediterranean Sea, in a natural setting that enhances the splendor of this architectural complex. Its facilities include private spaces, reception halls, and recreation areas, all decorated with beautiful mosaics that tell stories and scenes from Greek and Roman mythology.

The most notable of these mosaics is found in the main room and depicts Antiopa, the princess of Thebes, in an erotic scene with Satyr. This detail gives the site its name and symbolizes the artistic and cultural character of the villa. But the mosaics are not the only attraction; the site has also yielded 142 archaeological pieces, including columns, pottery, and everyday objects that provide a fascinating insight into the life of the Romans and their presence in the province of Málaga.

From 2003 to the present: a historical rediscovery

The remains of this villa were discovered in 2003, but it was not until 2022 that they opened their doors to the public, after years of research and restoration. Since then, the Villa Antiopa has been an example of how to preserve historical heritage and make it accessible to everyone. Museum resources at the site help enrich the experience. These include an audio guide and an augmented reality app that allows visitors to explore the villa in 2D and 3D, reliving how its rooms, halls, and even social areas where Romans held banquets and meetings were.

Hours, tickets, and prices of Villa Antiopa

Visiting the Villa Antiopa is straightforward. During the winter, visiting hours are from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00, while in summer, visits are from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00. The villa is closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1 and 6.

Ticket prices range from 2 to 6 euros, and can be purchased through the Rincón de la Victoria tourism website. Prices vary depending on the visitor's age and conditions, although entry is free on Mondays. This benefit makes Mondays a perfect opportunity to enjoy this archaeological gem at no cost, a policy that promotes accessibility and cultural dissemination. Below are the prices for the rest of the week.

• Adults (ages 15 to 64): 6 euros
• Seniors: 4 euros
• Youth Card and Students: 2 euros
• Children (ages 4 to 14): 4 euros
• Children (ages 0 to 3): Free
• Disability card: 4 euros
• School groups of 10 or more: 4 euros
• Groups of 10 or more: 4 euros
• Residents (present ID): 3 euros
• Unemployed (present job seeker ID): 2 euros
• Large families 2€/person (present card): 2 euros