History

Ancient Roman town of Singilia Barba set for 380,000 euro restoration and public opening

Antequera town council approves major conservation works to protect the historic site, improve access, and introduce new visitor trails

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Archaeological remains at Singilia Barba, where work is planned to conserve and protect the site and improve access to make it easier for visitors to explore. (SUR)

Julio J. Portabales

02/09/2026 Actualizado 03/09/2026 - 13:09h.

Singilia Barba: Project at a glance

Location: Antequera, Malaga (Andalucía, Spain).
Project Scope: Archaeological consolidation, security fencing, visitor trails, and educational signage.
Funding: €380,099 approved by the Regional Ministry of Culture of Andalucía.
Protection Level: Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).

The ancient Roman town of Singilia Barba is set to transform from a niche archaeological site into a better-protected, fully equipped visitor attraction.

Antequera ... town council has approved the municipal licence for a comprehensive project combining conservation work with improved access, new walking trails, and educational displays. Spearheaded by the Regional Ministry of Culture of Andalucía, the scheme carries a budget of 380,099 euros for physical works on the site, which is officially designated an Asset of Cultural Interest.

This upcoming programme directly addresses the long-standing conservation and accessibility issues that have previously limited the site's public profile.

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The planned works focus first on cleaning and stabilising the existing archaeological remains, while new perimeter fencing will strengthen security and manage visitor flow across sensitive areas. To enhance the overall visitor experience, teams will refurbish access points, establish structured walking routes, and install informative signage to share the town's rich history.

The local authority's approval follows thorough technical and legal reviews confirming that the plans comply with current planning regulations. To safeguard the site’s historical integrity, strict protective conditions have been imposed, requiring earthworks to be kept to a minimum and ensuring any subsoil excavation takes place under specialist archaeological supervision.

The Mayor of Antequera, Manolo Barón, welcomed the initiative, noting that it fulfills a long-standing need for Singilia Barba and praising the Regional Ministry’s commitment to making the site accessible to the wider public.