Basílica del Llano del Olivar, Early Christian archaeological site in Algezares, Spain.
Basílica del Llano del Olivar is a 6th-century religious complex with three naves separated by columns and a semicircular apse at one end. An octagonal baptistery with stone stairs on both sides marks the ceremonial heart of this early Christian site.
This complex dates to the 6th century and reflects the late Roman and Visigothic periods in the region. Excavations beginning in 1934 uncovered roughly 40 percent of the original site, leaving much of it still buried beneath the ground.
The baptistery reveals how early Christian communities practiced their rituals, with stone steps built for worshippers to perform full immersion during ceremonies. The layout of these spaces shows what mattered most to the congregation in this period.
The site welcomes visitors year-round with free access and marked pathways designed to protect the ancient structures. Walking the designated routes helps preserve the remains while allowing you to see the layout and details of the complex.
Remains of a hypocaust heating system reveal how Roman technology was adapted for this Christian structure, showing practical continuity between earlier and later periods. Geometric tile patterns and lattice decorations visible on surviving surfaces preserve artistic details often overlooked in such sites.
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