Empúries, Greek and Roman archaeological site in L'Escala, Spain
Empúries is an excavation site in L'Escala on the Mediterranean coast with the remains of a Greek trading town and a Roman settlement. The complex stretches over several terraces and reaches the beach, with visible foundations, streets, and partly rebuilt walls.
Greeks from Phocaea founded a small settlement on an island in the 6th century BC and later a larger town on the mainland. Romans settled in 218 BC and used the place as a military base during their campaigns on the Iberian Peninsula.
Walls made of large hewn blocks stand next to smoother structures in lighter brick, showing how both peoples lived here. The remains of public squares, houses with floor decorations, and columns let you follow how daily life by the sea worked.
A visitor center offers overview maps and displays for orientation between the excavation areas. Access to the grounds also leads to the nearby beaches, where you can park.
The old settlement preserves as the only place in Spain visible traces of a Greek city with two clearly distinguishable parts. The older section originally stood on a small island, now connected to the mainland.
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