Ciutadella de Roses, Renaissance citadel in Roses, Spain
Ciutadella de Roses is a fortified complex on the Mediterranean coast featuring large bastions and reinforced walls spread across a vast area. The site contains remains from multiple periods and houses a museum within its structures.
The site began as a Greek colony in the 4th century BC and later became a Roman settlement. In the 16th century, Charles V built a military fortress here to defend the coast from attack.
The fortress stands as a place where different peoples left their mark: Greeks, Romans, monks, and soldiers all shaped what visitors see today. Walking through the walls and museum reveals how each group built upon what came before.
The site sits right on the coast and can be explored on foot, though some paths across the grounds are uneven. The integrated museum opens daily, and visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time to walk the entire area.
The fortress preserves remains of an ancient mint where Greeks struck coins bearing the rose emblem of Roses. These coins featured the image of goddess Arethusa and show how significant this place was in ancient trade.
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