San Pedro's time capsule

San Pedro de Alcántara's Paleochristian Basilica at Linda Vista Baja

Google San Pedro’s Basilica, and what comes up first is one of the Vatican City’s most famous of historic monuments, founded by Pope Julius II and built between 1506 and 1626. But we’re not in Rome… we’re on the Costa del Sol, and the Basilica we’re talking about is in San Pedro de Alcántara.

But while it’s a modern, thriving and cosmopolitan resort – just to the west of Puerto Banús and forming part of the municipality of Marbella – San Pedro is also home to the Vega del Mar Paleochristian Basilica located in Linda Vista Baja. Dating from the 4^th and 5^th centuries, it’s one of the few remaining ruins from the time of the Byzantine domination of Southern Spain and is the only surviving example of its type anywhere in Europe.

Having just undergone a period of restoration, the Basilica was opened to the public last week and can be visited on Fridays between 11am and 1pm. Guided tours for schools and other groups can also be arranged by contacting the Municipal Cultural Delegation, on T. (+34) 952 765 996.