Columbario de la Torre del Monje: A Roman Vestige on the Costa Tropical
The Columbario de la Torre del Monje is a well-preserved Roman funerary monument dating back to the 1st century AD. Located just 2 kilometers from Almuñécar, in the Torrecuevas neighborhood, it stands as one of the best-preserved examples of Roman funerary architecture in the region. Declared a Cultural Heritage Site (Bien de Interés Cultural, B.I.C.) in 1931, this columbarium offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman burial practices and is an essential stop for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
History of the Columbario de la Torre del Monje
The Columbario de la Torre del Monje was used for the placement of urns containing the ashes of the deceased, following the Roman cremation rituals. It was built directly into the rock, perfectly adapting to the natural slope of the terrain, giving it a unique and harmonious integration with its surroundings. This funerary monument reflects the Romanization of the area and offers insight into the burial customs of Roman families from that time.
Characteristics of the Columbario
The columbarium is square in shape, measuring 3 meters per side externally. Its eastern side reaches a height of 6 meters, with a 2:1 height-to-width ratio that gives it a tower-like appearance.
The structure’s upper part is adorned with slate slabs, simulating a cornice, and capped with a false vaulted roof. Inside, there are funerary niches arranged in two rows of five, with the niches spanning two levels. Access to the lower level is through a small square hole in the floor.
Constructed using irregular slate stones and reinforced with thicker, straighter slabs at the corners, the columbarium shares architectural similarities with other Roman constructions in the area. This allows historians to date the monument between the late 1st and early 2nd centuries AD.
How to Get to the Columbario de la Torre del Monje
The Columbario de la Torre del Monje is located within the municipality of Almuñécar, in the heart of Granada’s Costa Tropical. It is easily accessible by car from the A-4050 road that connects Almuñécar with Jete. The columbarium is situated on a small hill next to the Verde River, offering a scenic view of the surrounding landscape.
Additionally, just over a kilometer away, visitors can find another important Roman columbarium, La Albina or Antoniano Rufo, located across the river. Visiting both sites provides a deeper understanding of the Romanization of the area and the funerary practices of ancient times.
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