Archaeological site of Empúries

The ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Ampurias are the most visited archaeological site in Catalonia and one of the most important in Spain. Occupy 40 hectares and are located in Sant Martí d'Empúries, in the municipality of l'Escala, a beautiful place surrounded by beaches and coves, with spectacular views over the bay of Roses. Ampurias is a privileged place to understand the evolution of Greek and Roman urbanism on the western shore of the Mediterranean Sea.

Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC, the prosperous city of Emporion was occupied by the Romans, who at the beginning of the first century BC created their own city (Emporiae), abandoned in the 9th century AD. Later, Ampurias was the capital of the Carolingian county of the same name until its destruction carried out by the Arabs in the year 935. In 1908 scientific excavations began, and they continue today.

The site is formed by three different cores: Palaiapolis, the oldest part, Neapolis and the Roman city.

Highlights

✔ The monographic museum, part of the Archeology Museum of Catalonia, where objects found during excavations are exhibited.
✔ The defensive walls.
✔ The remains of the temple of Asclepius, the god of medicine.
✔ The ruins of the temple of the god Serapis.
✔ The Roman mosaics that decorated the floor of the main rooms of the houses.
✔ The Roman wall, without defensive utility. We have to emphasize the gate located in the southern sector.