The Ruins of Empúries and its archaeological museum, which are very important to discover not only the western origins of Catalonia, but also those of the entire Spain, are open all year in l’Escala.

The archaeological excavations in this settlement started in 1908 and investigators still work on it, given the importance of the findings that have been discovered over the years (it is estimated that so far has been unearthed only 25% of its extension).

South gate in the Neápolis wall

We know that from the 6th century BC the Greeks colonized the area, coming into direct contact with the Iberian civilization. There are many iberian important settlements on the Empordà. But it was in the 218 B.C. when the Romans began their journey to the Iberian peninsula and they did precisely through of the Bay of Roses, where this wonderful place is located.

Empúries Ruins, domus roman house

The ruins are located about 2 km from l’Escala (south) and about 500 meters from St. Martí d’Empúries (north). A beautiful promenade, opened in 1992, connects both places.

The tour through the ruins lasts approximately an hour and a quarter, and it is recommended not to go in the middle of the day during the summer, due to excessive heat and little shade outside the area. They show remains of Roman and Greek buildings. For example, it has been preserved in excellent condition the statue of Asklepios, god of medicine, located inside this god’s temple.

For all its archaeological wealth, Empúries is a privileged place to understand the evolution of our western Mediterranean roots, both Greek and Roman.

Asklepius, god of medicine