Ruïnes d'Empúries
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Empúries ruins - by Julia Casado from Pixabay
Description
Empúries (Ampurias in Spanish) was founded in 575 BC by Greeks and developed into an important trading centre and the largest Greek colony in the Iberian Peninsula. Over time it became part of the Roman empire (3rd century BC) and lost its status of independent city state before being overshadowed by the rise of Tarragona and Barcelona further south and finally abandoned in the 3rd century A.D. The "new city" (Neapolis) consisted of several temples, houses and roman bathes surrounded by a walled perimeter. The "old town" (Palaiopolis) has not been excavated much as yet.
Access & Transport
The ruins are located on the seashore, between the town of L'Escala and the village of Sant Martí d'Empúries, 24km southeast of Figueres and 45km northeast of Girona. SARFA runs some bus services from different towns in the area but the easiest is to come by car The museum does not have its own car park but there are several options managed by the municipality.
Instructions & Recommendations
*** At the time of the onsite review (August 2023) the museum was being renovated and was partially replaced by a small expo area. This did not impact the ruins areas *** A lot of the archaeological area is exposed to the sun so dress and protect yourself appropriately during the summer. A visit can be combined with various other sights: Girona city, Calella de Palafrugell, the Monasterio de Sant Pere de Rodes, Cadaqués or the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral (besides some electricity for the museum). Socially positive as it helps preserve the architectural and historical heritages of the region and brings some economic influx to the surrounding villages.
Conclusion
Empúries are among the better-known ruins on Spain's Mediterranean coast and provide the perfect opportunity to learn (or remind oneself) of the various shifts in power and trading links across the Mare Nostrum. Unfortunately, the ruins were completely buried over time so no striking columns and temples to be seen. As such, unless you are an archaeology/history buff, we would not suggest a detour of over 1h30 to see it. If you are in the area though, it would be a missed opportunity not to include it in your itinerary.
Key positive
Interesting history
Inexpensive entrance fee
Key negative
Spread out horizontally but no major structure still standing
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but children under 13-14 may not find it very interesting. Most of the site is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, however some areas of the Roman city have steps and may prove challenging
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 40m
est. visit time:2h
Start of Season 1:Jun, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 20:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 20:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 20:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 20:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 20:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 20:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 20:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00