The Elviria area can trace its roots back to Roman times, although its residential development only began in the 1960s. In Las Chapas, burials have been found along the Carril del Relojero, along with traces of mining activity.
History & origins
As with Fenals in Lloret de Mar, the Roman occupation documented here is an archaeological site, not a continuous neighbourhood history; no source links this ancient past to a lived identity between antiquity and the 1960s.
The Villa Romana de Río Verde was discovered by archaeologist Carlos Posac Mon and Fernando Alcalá Marín, Marbella's official chronicler. The area is today one of East Marbella's major residential zones.
Heritage & architecture
The Villa Romana de Río Verde comprises an inner courtyard framed by around twelve columns forming a peristyle, distributing light towards six rooms, some decorated with mosaics of great quality. Together with the Termas Romanas de Guadalmina, it is one of the two major archaeological sites in the Marbella municipality.
Villa Romana de Río Verde
Discovered early 1960sPeristyle of 12 columns, mosaics of great quality.
Carril del Relojero (Las Chapas)
Scattered remainsBurials, traces of mining activity.
Playa de Las Chapas
Residential beachServing the area.
Culture & living traditions
As with Fenals in Lloret de Mar, no source documents a continuous neighbourhood life between the Roman occupation and the residential development of the 20th century. Today, the area's lived identity is that of a residential zone of East Marbella.
Suggested itinerary
Morning · 9am-12pm: On the Roman trail
The Villa Romana de Río Verde and its mosaics.
Afternoon · 12pm-5pm: Residential beach
Playa de Las Chapas, lunch in the neighbourhood.
Evening · 5pm onwards: Residential calm
A stroll through Elviria's residential streets, dinner locally.
Suggested itinerary, not field-tested.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Villa Romana de Río Verde?
In the Elviria/Las Chapas area, to the east of Marbella.
Who discovered the Villa Romana de Río Verde?
Archaeologist Carlos Posac Mon and Fernando Alcalá Marín, in the early 1960s.
What can be seen at the site?
A peristyle of around twelve columns surrounding six rooms, some with mosaics.
Is Elviria/Las Chapas an old or a recent area?
Both: documented Roman roots, but residential development dating from the 1960s.
What other remains are found in Las Chapas?
Burials along the Carril del Relojero, traces of mining activity, and pottery fragments.
