Echoes of Empúries: Exploring Ancient Splendor
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Port
Rosas (Roses), Spain
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$110
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Visit Empuries -- a Roman city dating from 550 BC. This modern-day name originates from emporio-- meaning marketplace or commercial center. This name correctly describes the purpose of the site, for the city was favorably situated at the delta (at that time) of the River Fluvia and at the crossing of several trade routes. Such a strategic place also offered protection to the trading vessels. Empuries rapidly became one of the most important commercial ports on Mediterranean shores at the time. On your tour, you will see examples of Greek and Roman town construction and their characteristic features.
A visit to the ruins shows the market, the agora, and the holy area where the temples stood, including the main one dedicated to Jupiter. Here, you can see how the Greeks adapted their buildings to the site and the terrain, while the Romans preferred to make the land accommodate their grid-like city patterns.
After your time in Empuries enjoy a nice walk to the nearby Sant Marti d'Empuries, a very small preserved medieval town. It received its first inhabitants in the 9th century BC. Three centuries later it established commercial relations with the Phoenicians, Punics and Phocaean Massaliotes, which marked the beginning of the negotiations which made Empúries one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean. Since that time Sant Martí d’Empúries has always been inhabited. After enjoying the walk drive back to Roses. Finish your tour with a coach ride back to the port.
Please note: The tour cannot operate on December 25th and January 1st, and every Monday between November 15th and February 15th. It´s highly recommended the use of sun protection, in Empúries, there isn't much shade, and in the height of summer, it can be stifling.