The Funerary Monuments of Puerta Gallegos

Studied during several excavation campaigns in the 1990s, the Funerary Monuments of Puerta Gallegos are the most significant examples of monumental funerary architecture in Roman Córdoba, both for their size—13 meters in diameter—and for the architectural style to which they belong. They are located on either side of the Roman road that connected the city, since Republican times, the Corduba-Hispalis, along the right bank of the Guadalquivir. This road split into two branches, one of which, the old Camino Viejo de Almodóvar, became one of the most important burial areas of the city.

Origin and early construction phases

It was during the time of Augustus that the first Funerary Monument was built, consisting of an ustrinum (a place where the body was cremated) and a separate burial area divided from the former by a low wall, forming a layout that has interesting parallels in other Baetican cities such as Baelo Claudia. It is likely that during this same period the road was paved with puddingstone slabs, now a clear extension of the city’s main East-West street, the Decumanus Maximus, a phenomenon to be understood within the context of urban development in the area, including the construction of a bridge and the embellishment of the city gates.

Monumentalization in the time of Tiberius

In the time of Emperor Tiberius, this process of monumentalization reached its peak with the construction of two cylindrical funerary monuments of identical dimensions but different functions. The northernmost one, which is better preserved, was built respecting the earlier burial, suggesting a familial relationship between the intended occupants of both complexes, and maintaining its individual character. The southern monument, however, seems to have been conceived as a collective tomb, possibly intended to house the remains of the family members of the deceased in the first building.

Typology and architectural parallels

In terms of typology, their direct Italic tradition stands out, although exact parallels exist in Hispanic funerary architecture. Formally, they resemble other monuments found in Carmona, Alcalá de Guadaira, Mérida, and possibly the town of Les Gunyoles in Tarragona. The spread of this type of cylindrical monument can be attributed to the importance attained by a single monument: Emperor Augustus’ own mausoleum. Thus, the existence of these magnificent buildings is further proof that Roman Córdoba was a true reflection of the capital, Rome, within a nearly unique process of ideological and iconographic transmission in the rest of Hispania.

Social context and urban location

It seems to indicate that this type of building is associated with the ordo equester, one of the most important sectors of Roman society. We must also not forget the privileged location of the funerary monuments, very close to a roadway, thus forming part of the “city’s image,” further reinforcing the special importance we must attribute to them within the framework of Roman Córdoba society.

Construction techniques

The construction techniques show a persistence of traditional methods in patrician architecture, such as the use of opus quadratum or “mine stone,” while also incorporating new trends in Roman architecture like the use of opus caementicium and the widespread use of marble.

Abandonment and transformation of the funerary area

Although still difficult to fully understand, the funerary monuments did not have a long life, as by the end of the 2nd century A.D. the funerary area was literally overtaken by domestic and commercial buildings belonging to one of the neighborhoods that had developed outside the city walls at the same time the aforementioned road was dismantled and raised.

Cultural visit

If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, a great option would be Roman Córdoba, by choosing one of our guided tours. This way, you can learn everything about the Funerary Monuments of Puerta Gallegos. Choosing high-quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: Fran Peña.