Visit Empuries
Empuries is a fascinating archaeological site in Catalonia. Nearby is the walled, medieval village of Sant Marti d'Empuries. Both sit on the Bay of Roses opposite the town of Roses.
Explore Empuries
Empuries is an extensive ruin off the coast of Catalonia which reveals three distinct settlements. There is the old town, the new town and the Roman town founded by Julius Caesar in 49 BC.
The old town, known as Palaipolis was founded in 600 BC by the Greeks. This town was built on a small island and is now a tiny, walled hamlet called Sant Marti de Empuries. This is now part of the mainland again.
In 550 BC a larger town was built on the shore. This was called Emporion meaning trading station. In 218 BC the Romans came and built a city next to this town.
The lower part of the site at Empuries contains the Greek colony, Neapolis, and excavations have revealed several Greek temples including the Temple of Asklepius. Some of the excavated houses reveal mosaics and murals. There are also some large water cisterns.
The Roman town is bigger and richer but excavations have only been partially carried out. A Forum and two villas have been excavated in the Roman town as well as an amphitheatre.
The site is open daily and takes about half a day to wander round. There is a small museum with artefacts uncovered during excavation of the site. There is also free parking and a small cafe.
Explore Sant Marti d'Empuries
Sant Marti d' Empuries is just a short walk along the beach and rewards you with a tiny but very pretty village whose centre is taken up by a group of restaurants whose umbrellas fill the square. In front of them is the church which dates back to the 11th century and beyond this the Bay of Roses.
Sant Marti d'Empuries is a medieval village and has a large defensive wall. It is one of the oldest villages in the whole of Catalonia.
From the edge of the village there are tremendous views of the whole of the Bay of Roses and its endless sweep of beaches.
As well as being a great place to stop for lunch the beaches here are nice sandy ones perfect for relaxing after lunch.
Despite being the oldest part of Empuries not much excavating has taken place here.
Places to visit nearby
The nearby town of L'Escala is a pleasant resort with beaches and restaurants to relax in after your tour of the excavations. L'Escala also has a lovely old town with narrow, medieval streets and its ancient port. It is an easy walk along the beach from Saint Marti d'Empuries, past Empuries and on to L'Escala.
On the other side of the Bay of Roses from Empuries is Roses with its medieval fortress.
Not far away is Peratallada which is classified as one of the most beautiful villages of Spain and is definitely worth a visit.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Girona guide and the Catalonia guide.
Photos of Empuries
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Map of Empuries and places to visit
Empuries places to visit
L'Estartit
L'Estartit is a popular resort on the Costa Brava. It makes a good base for visiting the area.
L'Estartit guide
Castello d'Empuries
Castello d'Empuries is an interesting medieval village with a huge church. It is a small distance inland of Roses.
Castello d'Empuries guide
Roses
Roses was an ancient Greek settlement and is now the biggest resort on the northern stretch of the Costa Brava.
Roses guide
Pubol
Pubol is home to the Casa-Museu Castell Gala Dali. The elephant statues in the garden and the collection of Gala's dresses are highlights.
Pubol guide
Peratallada
Peratallada is a medieval village, and is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
Peratallada guide
Pals
Pals is a lovely medieval village that has been beautifully restored. Pals is home to an important international golf course.
Pals guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Catalonia