Villa romana de Río Verde

The current situation of the Villa Romana de Río Verde, located east of the Río Verde mouth in an urban area of Marbella, is marked by significant neglect and ongoing decay. Although the site has been legally protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) and classified as an Integral Archaeological Protection Zone (Level 1) in the 2010 PGOU, it remains exposed to severe environmental elements (rain, wind, sun) and human factors. Public attention and administrative projects to condition the site began in 2007, but the text confirms that the area is still not properly equipped or opened for controlled visits. This lack of control has led to a critical pathological state, particularly concerning the mosaics, which are the main elements to be conserved. The text highlights that visitors often use the mosaic pavements as improvised pathways, leading to direct wear and tear. Key issues include abundant dust and dirt accumulation, cracks in the pavement where parasitic vegetation has taken root, and structural decomposition of the remaining walls. Although most mosaics are described as not having major pathologies, the Medusa mosaic is considered especially vulnerable due to the presence of ceramic tesserae. The main causes of deterioration are identified as the slow, irreversible effects of weathering and damage from uncontrolled human activity.