La Fonteta Ancient Phoenician Port City

La Fonteta is an ancient Phoenician port city at the mouth of the Segura River, with remains spread across eight hectares. The site contains defensive walls, residential quarters, and multiple archaeological layers that document thousands of years of settlement.

This Phoenician port emerged in the 8th century BC and operated until the 6th century BC as a major trading center in the western Mediterranean. The settlement served as a crucial exchange point for goods and ideas between Phoenician territories and Europe.

Excavations reveal Phoenician pottery, Greek ceramics, and decorated ostrich eggs that speak to intense trade relationships across Mediterranean shores. These finds suggest that people from different cultures met here and exchanged their goods.

The site is located near the river and currently remains closed for restoration work, with planned openings for future visits. Once it reopens, visitors will be able to explore the remains on-site and observe the layers of the ancient city.

The defensive walls were built using sophisticated construction techniques with sandstone and limestone specifically designed to withstand seismic movements. This building method reveals the technical knowledge of the Phoenicians, who protected their structures against natural disasters.