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Hidden beneath the historic quarter of Almuñécar on the Costa Tropical, the Cueva de Siete Palacios (Cave of Seven Palaces) is one of Andalusia’s most extraordinary subterranean Roman monuments. Far from being a natural geological cave, it is a magnificent 1st-century Roman cryptoporticus—a subterranean system of barrel-vaulted stone galleries built to support the massive civic forum of ancient Roman Sexi Firmium Iulium above.
The Archaeological Museum & The Egyptian Canopic Jar
Today, the underground galleries house Almuñécar’s Municipal Archaeological Museum. Its most legendary artifact is the famous Canopic Jar of Pharaoh Apophis I (circa 16th century BC). Carved from alabaster and bearing the longest Egyptian hieroglyphic text discovered in the entire Iberian Peninsula, it was brought to Spain over 2,700 years ago by Phoenician traders and was unearthed in the Laurita Phoenician necropolis at Cerro de San Cristóbal.
Visitor Details & 2026 Opening Hours
- Location: Calle San Joaquín s/n, Casco Antiguo, Almuñécar.
- Combined Ticket: Admission is included in the unified ticket with San Miguel Castle (€4.00 general, €2.00 seniors and students).
- Hours (Winter): Tuesday to Saturday 10:30–13:30 and 16:00–18:30. Sundays 10:30–13:30. Closed Mondays.
- Hours (Summer): Tuesday to Saturday 10:30–13:30 and 18:00–21:00. Sundays 10:30–13:30. Closed Mondays.
Visiting Tips
Combine your visit with a walking tour of the surrounding Casco Antiguo, the lush subtropical palm gardens of Parque El Majuelo, and the nearby Roman fish-salting factory (Factoría de Salazones).
