About Ruïnes de Empúries
Of all the museums on the Costa Brava, one of the most popular worldwide is undoubtedly the space managed by the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia. We are referring to the Ruins of Empúries.
Basically, it is an archaeological site where a series of remains belonging to a couple of cities: one Greek and one Roman can be found.
Both cultures first entered the Iberian Peninsula through Empúries, as evidenced by the ruins that are part of the MAC. Precisely on the entire peninsular territory, only one Greek city is preserved, which is actually the one that is partially preserved in the Ruins of Empúries.
Considering that they are over two thousand years old, it is surprising how well these remains have been preserved. This is largely the result of the good maintenance and restoration work that has been carried out over all this time.
Some of the best-preserved elements are undoubtedly the mosaics, which belonged to various noble houses. Something similar can be said about the Roman forum, which has turned into the main point of interest of all the ruins over the years. Even so, there are other elements that also attract a lot of attention from visitors, such as the Greek statue of Asclepius.
It is worth noting that the museum has managed to adapt to current times. This is demonstrated by the QR codes that, when scanned with a mobile device, provide relevant information about what is being viewed.
The audio guides allow visitors to educate themselves, finding out numerous details related to Greco-Roman history. Of course, there are also professionals from the Ruins of Empúries who are in charge of kindly resolving any doubts visitors may have about this museum space.
On the other hand, covering a hundred percent of the ruins that are part of this outdoor museum site in a single visit is not viable if you are short on time. If you want the experience to be full and rewarding, it is advisable to have a couple or three hours, as otherwise, you will not have time to see everything.
Occasionally, experienced archaeologists can be seen in the facilities preparing and performing maintenance tasks, which surprises visitors, who have the opportunity to admire the important work carried out by these specialists.
Not all the exhibits are outdoors. Some works and sculptures are located in a very well-conditioned indoor space. However, it is undeniable that the main attraction of the Ruins of Empúries are the Greco-Roman vestiges.
These ruins are located in Sant Martí d’Empúries, specifically in a privileged site that offers spectacular sea views. Very few museums can boast of offering visitors such an impressive aquatic skyline.
Permanent Collection
At the Ruins of Empúries, two permanent collections can be distinguished, although one of them evolves over the years. We refer to the ruins themselves, which are periodically excavated in greater proportions, now approaching twenty percent of the total. These tasks have been carried out since 1908, and the progress is constant, consisting of a very precise and respectful scientific recovery.
On the other hand, the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia within the ruins has a well-preserved permanent indoor collection.
Activities
Traveling back in time by viewing the ruins, enjoying the sea views, and marveling at the excellent condition of the elements that make up the permanent collection are not the only activities available. Other popular options include theatrical guided tours.
On the list, you should also add the concerts that take place in the forum. Additionally, workshops, which are ideal for families with children, should not be overlooked.
Prices
The general entrance fee is 6€, reduced to 4€ for seniors, pensioners, students, large families, or single-parent families.
There is the possibility of accessing the Ruins of Empúries for free. Those who can enjoy free entry are those under 16 years of age, unemployed, and disabled individuals.
Anyone can visit the ruins for free on the first Sunday of every month, except for July, August, and September.
Since it is a very successful museum, having become a reference on the Costa Brava, the parking lot tends to be quite full. Luckily, there are two different parking options: one paid and one public with free access, although the latter usually has no available spots. If you want to park for free at the Ruins of Empúries, it’s best to arrive with plenty of time in advance.
Comment by Bravissima about Ruïnes de Empúries:
The Ruïnes de Empúries, located on the Costa Brava, are one of Spain's most prominent archaeological sites, where visitors can admire both the remains of a Greek city and a Roman one. This place offers a unique experience for history and archaeology enthusiasts, allowing them to appreciate over two thousand years of history in an impressive setting by the sea.
Visitors particularly praise the well-maintained ruins, where they can see mosaics and the famous Roman forum in excellent condition. Additionally, the inclusion of audio guides in multiple languages, utilizing technology like QR codes, has been highlighted as an effective educational tool that enriches the visit.
A range of activities, including theatrical visits, concerts, and family workshops, makes this site an ideal destination for everyone. The connection to nature and the beauty of the sea views add an extra allure to the experience.
The admission prices are accessible, with various ticket options and free access for certain groups, such as those under 16 and the unemployed. Undoubtedly, the Ruïnes de Empúries are a must-visit, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking panoramic views that captivate all visitors.
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00–18:00
- Tuesday: 10:00–18:00
- Wednesday: 10:00–18:00
- Thursday: 10:00–18:00
- Friday: 10:00–18:00
- Saturday: 10:00–18:00
- Sunday: 10:00–18:00
Ruïnes de Empúries: Reviews
Fantastic experience: A lovely spot on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea to visit for both Greek and Roman ruins.
Fantastic experience:
The audio guide was very excellent
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience: An amazing Greko-roman site
Fantastic experience: This is an incredible place with both green and Roman runs. The history is shared through the audio guide and makes you feel like you are entering the time of the Greeks. The mosaics in the Roman city are not to be missed.
Fantastic experience: To explore this archeological site, give yourself lots of time. Greek and Roman history abound. Very good auditor points all around the site. Museum had amazing finds on it.
Fantastic experience: Cool place to visit and walk around the ruins
Fantastic experience: Good Museum to learn more over the history of Spain. Reserve appr. 4 hours for the visit, take water with you.
Fantastic experience: I fully recommend it. Audioguide helps you to better grasp the meaning of the excavations, the surroundings are magical, land and sea blend beatifully. I also recommend visiting Sant Marti d'Empuries village which is a couple of miles apart.
Fantastic experience: Fascinating - with an inventive audiovisual presentation that you have to seek out...
Fantastic experience: Great improvements to this already impressive historic site. Loved the virtual tour
Fantastic experience:
6 euros per person for general admission. It includes the guide so that you can listen to it yourself at its different points.
A huge place, where in addition to the ruins you can enter the museum.
They have benches in different parts where you can sit if you want to rest or admire the landscape.
I noticed how well maintained everything is!
You can easily spend 3 hours viewing the place.
It is definitely worth the visit. I'm looking forward to coming back.
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Fantastic experience:
Fantastic, extensive, great audio tour.
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Fantastic experience: Amazing extensive Greek and Roman ruins. Use the guided walk commentary on your mobile by QR code (free) - it's very good and brings they place to life.
Fantastic experience: Superb visit, worth the cost, spent 3 hours for the visit. Only down side was availability of reconstruction film, limited hours and show.
Fantastic experience: Wonderful site of Greek and roman settlement. Audio guide is a must and QR codes can be scanned on site. My only concern is that we have finished quite late and the shop unfortunately was already closed.
Fantastic experience: A fascinating three hours. Good facilities and a very cheap admission price. Excellent.
Fantastic experience:
Good place to visit
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience: First Greek establishment in the Iberian Peninsula later joined by another one from Rome. Carefully excavated, conserved including small objecte and explained in multiple languages with lots of fun facts.
Fantastic experience: Incredible place. The best audio guide I have ever seen. Elevated the whole experience of the museum.
Fantastic experience: Incredible ruins of Greek and Roman era. Very well preserved. The audio guide was excellent, apart from historical facts it mixes it with some story telling which results in an amazing journey through the ruins. Really worth the cost (I found it cheep even). Be prepared to walk a bit, it was bigger than I was expecting, but worth every bit.
Fantastic experience: Wonderful site showing iberican city from 6th C bc. Well presented museum with friendly staff and well set out displays and VR. On a hill top with great views and nightingales singing.
Fantastic experience: We spent 4 hours there!!! Super cool museum and loved the audio guide!!
Fantastic experience: Great place to visit. Plan at least 2 hours as there is plenty to see and listen.
Fantastic experience: Amazing going back 2000 years ago
Fantastic experience: Great site close to the beach. Very beautiful mosaics.
Fantastic experience: Very interesting. Huge archeological site.
Fantastic experience: Amazing.....just amazing...if you like the historical places like that. Advice: 3 hours minimum to seize all the explanations and see all the complex. Great views. Good price, even cheap IMHO.
Fantastic experience: It's an amazing place. I'm not a fan of museums, but this one is well worth it. I recommend listening to the audios provided, they allow a better understanding of what the "rocks" that you look at were.
Fantastic experience: The museum itself is very small but the archaeological park is a must see covering a large area with both Roman and Greek ruins.
Fantastic experience: Fascinating Greek and Roman ruins with strong intro videos. Came w dog and teen kids and everyone enjoyed. Great day out- top off w drinks and food at beach side chiringuito.
Fantastic experience: Very nice place to visit without a doubt.
Fantastic experience:
It's worth seeing them.
Expectaculars
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Positive experience:
Very correct, avoid hours of full sun, there are large chunks without shade.
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Positive experience:
A place to think about where we come from
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Fantastic experience: Well worth Visiting go on the last day of the month and pensioners get free entry.
Fantastic experience: Amazing place for antic ruins fans huge place for sightseeing nice prices beautiful views
Fantastic experience: Very interesting museum, has an audio tour that is done by a handheld device and can be done in multiple languages. This is a very long tour but well worth it, a steal at €5.50
Fantastic experience: Love this place! Fascinating history - make use of the audio tour! Only had time to visit the Ancient Greek side of the museum, but this was amazing and very interesting to potter around
Fantastic experience: Reasonable price and very interesting. Audio tours for both adult and children. Don't know what my kids were actually hearing but they laughed all the way round. Real history. Brill.
Fantastic experience: Great museum, great audioguido included in the ticket and the price is cheap. Recomend to visit! Beautiful archeological site
Fantastic experience: The included audio tour is highly recommended. It made for a truly interesting and enjoyable experience.
Fantastic experience: Wow, a must see, only 20% uncovered of a massive site! Reserve a few hours, good walking shoes and plenty of water and you will be happy to did!
Fantastic experience:
Very cool place to walk near old citys
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience: Excellent open air archaeology museum with a small indoor museum for finds and mosaics. The buildings, streets and city walls are quite well preserved. A must visit for everyone interested in the ancient Greek and Roman history in Spain. It's cool to see that they had pipes, drainage, water filtering and collecting systems more than 2000 years ago. Some of the temples are partially restored in order to give a better sense of their original size.
Fantastic experience: Fascinating historical site recounting the Græci-Roman history the site.
Fantastic experience: Absolutely beautiful historic site! Unlike anyplace I've been in Spain. My son found a piece of a 2.5 thousand year old amphora among the ruins and the archeologists looked at it and told him about it before taking it in for further study. Wonderful visit and highly recommended.
Fantastic experience: Greek and Roman ruins by the sea. A perfect stop for some ancient history on the Costa Brava.
Fantastic experience: Great archaeological site. You walk around the old Greek Town before taking a breather in the museum and waking up to the vast roman town. The site is close to a lovely bathing beach, so you get a good breeze across most of the site, but if you do get too hot, why not have a swim afterwards
Fantastic experience: There are audioguides in French, English, Spanish, German and Catalan inside the museum. There is special division for adults and children to listen to the stories from audioguide. The museum is well-maintained with huge open areas, friendly staff and amazing surroundings.
Fantastic experience: Fantastic and extensive ruins of a Greek and Roman city. Good and informative audio guide. Very hot weather so could have done with better cafe area or more drinks stations... looks like a new cafe in the entrance building may open soon as is built but partly furnished.
Fantastic experience: Try not to do this in the middle of the day as there is no shade saying that it is a very interesting place to visit
Fantastic experience:
Great place to see. Definitely worth a 6 euro ticket (includes audioguide). Make sure to reserve at least 2h.
Translated from French
Fantastic experience: This giaciment is really well preserved. Continue studies are making on the ancient area and every year they found something new and interesting. The toilets are really clear, the parking huge. You can visit the structure of the museum and the ancient ruins paying a ticket (the price is fair with the things the propose to you). The guides can speak english, german, french, catalan and spanish. The registered guides are recorded in even more languages. The staff is nice and something the make wounderful revocation. Visit the site for more information. The only problem is that last year they had a bar. Now no more, but outside you can find a lot of bars.
Fantastic experience: This is a great place to visit. Lots of Greek and Roman history: They coexisted for sometime and the remains are extensive with the site still growing as they're still excavating the area. Just be aware that the grounds are very open and be sure to wear sun cream with a high protection factor. The sea and the beach are beautiful and it is a great day out for everyone. The price is very reasonable to boot.
Fantastic experience: An inspiring place, a literal walk through time with Phoenician, Greek and Roman history all in one spot. Dogs allowed in all outdoor spaces. Free access to a very informative audio guide. Not very easy to find, our sat nav had us confused...
Fantastic experience: Amazing ! To those who have any interest about European antiquity history. An excellent place to understand how an initial greek settling location becomes a typical espanish village through the passage of a roman garnison... really interesting. Very pleasant, nnot expensive, well explain... well, to be done absolutely :)
Fantastic experience: A past journey in two different cities in the same place, Romane and Greek cities near the sea also offer a nice view. I recommend the audio guide for an excellent history class about the cities.
Fantastic experience: It was great wondering around the old Roman and Greek cities in Empúries. You follow a tour from an audio guide (you can choose from many European languages as well as Mandarin Chinese), which first pass you through the older Greek settlement explaining how the Greek traders can't to Iberia looking for new markets, how the Romans followed them a few hundred years later, setting up a second settlement on a hill above the Greek one, and how they eventually merged over time. Very fascinating stuff! We spent several hours here and learnt a lot.
Fantastic experience: Off the beaten track, this place is a fantastic experience if you are into Roman history. The location, excavated ruins and the story provided to re-imagine the glory days are on par with what you will find in other more popular places like Rome.
Fantastic experience: A very interesting and educational place to visit. Make sure you pick up the headset which tells you everything you need to know.a great guude . Avoid the heat of the day as no shade
Fantastic experience: One of the best open air museums I have visited. Extensive and ongoing excavations of ancient greek and roman city. Excellent audio guide included in the price of the entrance, in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German and Dutch. There are also highly motivated tour guides in Catalan (maybe also other languages)
Fantastic experience: Well worth the time and the (low) entrance fee. Very interesting audio guide (included for free) takes you through both the Greek and Roman site in an easy circular route. They also have a child-friendly story version. There is a car park next door (cca 1.5€/h) or you can walk via a nice pathway (10min) from Sant Martí d'Empúries. A very positive surprise! Took us about 2h with the museum (without the “Criptoportic” which is available only 1h per day)
Fantastic experience: Brilliant day out, lots of Greek and Roman excavations to explore with a handheld guide...and a specially designed one for children too. Beach a 5 minute walk away.
Fantastic experience: The most technologically advanced museum Ever! We spent the weekend surrounded by beautifully preserved Roman and Greek ruins as this was the first town they arrived in in Catalunya. The 3D video was amazing and so was the underground wine cellar.
Fantastic experience: If you have any interest in archaeology or history, make this trip. It really inspires awe.
Fantastic experience: Unbelievable site that has both an ancient Greek and an ancient Roman site. The Greek site is right by the sea and offers some stunning views, the Roman site is a few hundred meters land inwards and offers a very nice forum. The museum is small but has some nice pieces. While we were there there was also a nice Playmobil exposition, shown in one of my pictures.
Fantastic experience: Absolutley remarkable! For lovers of ancient history..Greek and Roman, this is an exciting find. Two ancient cities built side by side at different times during the beginnings of the Mediterranean settlement. Plus the location is stunningly beautiful. You get a real feeling of what life was like during those times.
Fantastic experience: Don’t miss this site! Amazing Greek and Roman ruins - still being excavated - only 20% complete and well worth a detour from wherever you are headed!
Fantastic experience: Really good archaeological site with a huge grounds and a great audio guide in various languages. Well preserved, interesting to see how the Greek and then Carthaginian and Roman cultures co-existed. The little museum has some good pieces and an impressive statue.
Fantastic experience:
Great historical value, perhaps, restored too much
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Fantastic experience: Liked it very much, wonderful place. Archeological digs are still in progress as only small part is revealed. Usually it is just one or two ruins, but in this case it is a city. Audio guide was greate, it has two modes, for adults and for children.
Fantastic experience: Great place really informative and fascinating. Well presented tour on your own headset and fantastic setting.
Fantastic experience:
This is described a medieval times and culture ...
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience: Great place to visit very Interesting when we went there was also live craft shows from ancient times
Fantastic experience: Fantastic morning here, audio guides are outstanding and were very informative. Kept us all up to date with all of the different areas as we walked around. Great value for money as under 16 are free. Not much shade if you go in the summer when it is warmer. Well worth the visit. Lovely beach next to the ruins to spend the afternoon.
Fantastic experience: Really interesting place full of history. They have yet to finish excavation so there is still more to learn from thia site but well worth a visit for anyone interested in history. They have audioguide tours included in entrance price in multiple languages and even do a kids version for children. Entrance fee was also reasonable. Took us a couple of hours to wander around but you could take as little or as much time as needed.
Fantastic experience: Great, well runed. Espectacular location. Don't miss the both parts. The upper one is fantastic
Fantastic experience: Excellent presentation. Greek and Roman lives capture the imagination.
Fantastic experience: It's always a pleasure visiting this museum and the archeological site!
Fantastic experience: Really nice place. We were there when the Triumvirat event took place in L'Escala. So we were lucky and had the audioguide included. We wouldn't have bought it otherwise. But, the audioguide was really, really good. I would recommend to spend the money and buy it. It makes this beautiful place even more interesting and provides a lot of information and also atmosphere.
Fantastic experience: Fun and interesting place, make sure you take the audio guide with you. Also, they have guided tours with actors dressed as Romans or Greeks telling the story from their point of view.
Fantastic experience: Roman & Greek escavations nice visit?
Fantastic experience: With the audioguide ,the kids have been able to understand the visit Magic trip to Greek and Roman era !nice spot to visit right after the opening of the site in summer because of the heat. The visits can take 2.30 hours.
Fantastic experience: Tbh, sadly didn't get to visit the ruins, kids, you know how it is. But they looked great and the beach there is the best around. So said our good friend Josep.
Fantastic experience: First Greek city in Hispania
Fantastic experience:
Greco-Roman city ruins quite impressive ones
Translated from French
Fantastic experience: Impressive collection of Greek and Roman remains. Makes you feel very small on the time line of history.
Fantastic experience:
Absolutely amazing, great audio guide and so much to see.
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience: Great archeological site with included audio guide. 2 different towns in one visit.
Fantastic experience: Very well maintained site suitable for the whole family, dog included
Fantastic experience: Very interesting, you can spend a whole day walking in the footstep of Juliius Caesar, the first roman city in Spain. Very well planned museum with excellent commentary included in the very reasonable entrance fee.
Fantastic experience: Would especially recommend the audio guides as they are really informative, and even better, they're free!
Fantastic experience: Amazing place, such an experience. Allow at least 3 hours for the visit and make sure you take the audio tour device with you- you won't regret it. No photos- see it for yourself!:)
Fantastic experience: This is one of the most significant archeological sites of the Western Mediterranean. The ruins of the Greek and Roman cities can be seen. Original mosaic floors are on display during the summer months. There is a museum and multi-lingual electronic guides are available. The setting, with its backdrop of the mountains to the North and West, and bounded by the sea to the East, is unforgettable.
Fantastic experience: Explendid ruins, big and well explained.
Fantastic experience: Take a walk through the History exploring the Ancient Greek and Roman Ruins, I had the chance to visit this place by the hand of Barcelona Holiday Tours, specialized in Costa Brava Tours, the ancient ruins are a must see if you're staying in Costa Brava area, or if you're in Barcelona and want to scape for a day.
Fantastic experience: Magical experience enhanced by engaging audio guide. Recommend bring own headphones, toga and laurel wreath.
Fantastic experience: Very interesting however you really need a guide to bring out its importance
Fantastic experience: Nice view
Fantastic experience: Interesting audio guide the really brings the place alive-music sounds effects etc. Must be really hot in the summer since little shade. Free for teachers.
Fantastic experience: Fantastic outdoor museum. You walk around and check out Greek and Roman ruins.
Fantastic experience: Amazing audio guide quality and production. Really immerses you in the atmosphere
Fantastic experience: Huge Greek and Roman. They are very well conserved. Some buildings still keep the mosaic on their floor. I think it's a must go if you are around.
Fantastic experience: Impressive Greek and Roman city next to the beach. Easily spend 2-4 hours here.
Fantastic experience: One of the best archeological museums I have visited anywhere. The film introduction, the Museum exhibits, and the audio tour were very well done. The site is easy to access, all areas are clearly identified, and the mosaics are superb.
