The Basílica del Llano del Olivar: A Hidden City's Remains

The Basílica del Llano del Olivar (or Basílica de Algezares) is situated on the northern slope of the Sierra de Carrascoy, at the foot of the foothills of the Cresta del Gallo in the Murcian village of Algezares. The basilica might have been part of an episcopal city that some authors identify with the mythical Eio, which after the arrival of the Muslims and the signing of the Treaty of Teodomiro would also be called Tudmir. In the center, there is a nearly octagonal baptismal pool with stone stairs on each side.

In a baptismal rite at the basilica, one first had to descend four steps, renouncing the pomp and works of Satan and the seven capital sins before standing in the fosse, which remains perfectly preserved on-site in the open air. In the periphery, there are also indications of a porticoed building, which could be a monumental episcopal palace, and a necropolis. The site contains evidence of several edifices from different periods, such as the late Roman Martyrium de La Alberca, a building unique in its typology in the Iberian Peninsula.

Originally dated to the 4th century AD, the era when the nearby Martyrium de La Alberca was built, the basilica was later considered to be a construction from the 6th century, during the late Roman-Visigothic period. Today, the Basílica del Llano del Olivar stands as a fascinating remnant of Murcia's rich history, with much still to be uncovered from its depths.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons