The ruins of Empúries

Let’s go to the ruins of Empúries!

The ruins of Empúries (Ancient Greek: Emporion, Spanish: Ampurias) are one of the oldest cultural monuments in Catalonia. It is the only archaeological site of the entire Iberian Peninsula where visitors are lucky to see Greek and Roman ruins on one and the same area. Although the first excavations took place in 1846-48, the already huge site is an estimated 25% of the entire ruin area. We also observe some archaeologists on site during our visit.

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The stunning location with sea views, near the Most beautiful beaches of Costa Brava, is stunning. Here you can admire old walls and columns, very well-preserved mosaic floors and magical marble works on a tour. At the entrance of the area there are small intercoms “To Go”, with which you can listen to an explanation of various sights in many languages. Our tip: The children’s version tells the story in a pleasantly simple and humorous way.

Empúries was founded around 575 BC by Greeks from Phocaea. The first settlement, the Palaiapolis, lay on a small island. The key facts are set out here.

Empúries at a glance

• Foundation: Around 575 BC. from Greeks from Phokaia
• Old and new town: The first settlement (Palaiapolis) was on a small island, around 550 BC. BC they moved to the mainland and built the Neapolis
• Special feature: The only site of the Iberian Peninsula, on the remains of a Greek city (Empòrion) and a Roman city (Emporiae) lie side by side
• Four areas: Palaiapolis, Neapolis, Roman city and Iberian settlement
• museum: shows the original Asklepios statue and finds of the excavations, belongs to the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia
• location: Between the old town of L’Escala and Sant Martí d’Empúries on the Gulf of Roses

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Greek history

In the 6th century B.C. The Greek trading branch called Emporion was built here, to which the Empordá region still owes its name today. The export products of the time included landscape products and ores that were exchanged with locals – for example from Ullastret, especially for metal and pottery. However, Emporion was also a hub for other trade relations, such as that to the Balearic Islands or the south of the country.

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The Greek old town (Gr.: Palaiapolis) was the oldest part of Emporion and was then on a small island at the mouth of the Flúvia. Palaiapolis was then about 500 BC. as Neustadt (Gr.: Neapolis) moved to the mainland, where you can see the remains today and where trade continued to thrive. Northeast of Neapolis, in the middle of the sea – the ancient harbor district with an incredibly well-preserved wall structure is still emblazoned. Right next to it you can go swimming at the “Platja de Moll Grec” (German: beach of the Greek pier) in an ancient and charming ambience.

First stop: Neapolis

Our tour begins in Neapolis. The ancient city wall of the Greek new town contrasts impressively with the view of the crystal blue sea and the bright green pine crowns. On the left and slightly elevated, is the sacred neighborhood of Neapolis, which now houses a large statue of the god Asklepius. The holy temple of the ancient god of healing art used to be located there.

Visitors can admire the original of the statue in the Archaeological Museum. The sun is burning and there is little shade on the large ruined area. We discover former cisterns and then, closer to the water, we finally come to the foundations of the Agora. It used to be the central village square where festivals and the weekly market took place. Fortunately, a cool breeze blows from the sea.

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Arriving at the museum, we admire the original statue of the Greek god Asklepios, ceramics, bronze and marble works of antiquity.

Roman history

Then it goes over the many steps up to the ruins of the Roman planned town. At the end of the third century B.C. The Romans used Emporion’s strategic position in the fight against Carthage. They made it the starting point of the Roman conquest of Spain. Under Julius Caesar then the so-called Emporiae was expanded. from 49 BC The Roman city, also known as Municipium, was built above the Greek city.

This is characterized by a very decent, right-angled road network and coexisted for about 150 years alongside the new Greek town. During the Roman Empire, Emporiae eventually lost importance. This loss of meaning was a result of competition from metropolises such as Barcino (now Barcelona), which, in contrast to Emporiae, were on the largest trade routes for wine and olive oil to Italy. From the fourth century, the two branches were used as a cemetery, which is also confirmed by the remains of an early Christian basilica.

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Second station: Roman planned city

On the tour of the Roman area, you first get to the forum. Then we discover the foundations of some villas, some of which impress with incredibly well-preserved mosaics. We continue to the large cistern complex, where drinking and useful water was collected underground. We also pass ancient thermal baths. There you used to be able to enjoy spas – infused with ethereal herbs from the large garden of the complex. When leaving the Municipium, we walk through the beautiful gate in the city wall. Outside the wall are the remains of the Roman ancient amphitheater – once the scene of gladiator and animal fights, for plays and sporting competitions.

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Fantastic events at the ruins of Empúries

Today this charming place of Empúries From time to time as a romantic backdrop for prominent dream weddings. A nice idea to enjoy a banquet here at some point with a view of the sea. We have collected enough impressions for today. We’ll definitely come back sometime.

Frequently asked questions about Empúries

Who founded Empúries?

Greeks from Phokaia founded the trading city of Emporion around 575 BC. First they settled on a small island, then moved to the mainland.

What is special about the ruins of Empúries?

It is the only archaeological site of the Iberian Peninsula where Greek and Roman ruins can be seen side by side.

What time did the ruins come from?

Between the 6th century B.C. BC and the 5th century AD was Empúries harbor, trading place, Greek colony, first Roman camp on the peninsula and prosperous Roman city. The Greek walls visible today are from the Hellenistic period.

Where is Empúries?

The excavation site is on the Costa Brava between L’Escala and Sant Martí d’Empúries on the Gulf of Roses.

What does the museum show?

The museum of excavations shows the original statue of Asklepios and other finds. It belongs to the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia.

How do you spell Empúries?

Empúries, also Ampurias in Spanish and Emporion in Greek.

More on this: Nearby: Sant Martí d’Empúries and l’escala, Sant Martí d’Empúries on the promenade Passeig d’Empúries, Picturesque views, culture, history and wine in Sant Martí d’Empúries, Anno 1500 – Medieval Festival in Castelló d’Empúries.