Ciutadella de Roses

Discover the Ciutadella of Roses: a fascinating journey through 2,500 years of history.

There are places that are not just visited, but experienced. The Ciutadella de Roses is one of them. Located in a privileged enclave on the Costa Brava, this monumental space is not just an archaeological site; it's an open book of history, a silent testimony that speaks of ancient civilizations, of conquests and defenses, of faith and daily life, from the Classical period to the 20th century.

Declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN), the Citadel of Roses offers a fascinating journey through more than twenty-five centuries of living memory. From the moment you pass through the main gate of this majestic Renaissance fortification, visitors enter a unique space, with more than 139,000 m² of historical, architectural, and landscape heritage to discover.

An archaeological treasure in constant evolution

One of the great attractions of Ciutadella is its status as an active archaeological site. Research here has never ceased. Each archaeological campaign provides new information about what life was like at this strategic point in the Mediterranean. Roses, founded as a Greek colony under the name of Rhode in the 4th century BC, has been the scene of multiple occupations: Greek, Roman, Visigothic, medieval, and modern.

Thanks to a comprehensive signposted itinerary, you can explore the remains of the Greek city and the later Roman city, where remains of streets, homes, and public spaces are still preserved. You can also see the remains of a Roman or Visigothic building, known as Building A, which provides an insight into the continued occupation of the site beyond classical antiquity.

Santa María and the medieval heart of Roses

The Ciutadella also contains one of the most significant examples of medieval Roses: the Romanesque monastery of Santa Maria. Founded in the 11th century, this monastery became the spiritual and political center of the town, around which the walled town center developed.

Today, its remains still convey the spiritual strength and symbolic weight it once held.

The splendor of the Renaissance fortification

One of the most impressive elements of the complex is undoubtedly the wall that encloses the Ciutadella. Built by order of King Charles V in the 16th century, this great fortification of bastions responded to the need to protect the port of Roses from attacks by Barbary pirates and the Turks. Its military architecture, perfectly adapted to the new systems of warfare of the modern era, is impressive both for its staircase and its excellent state of preservation.

Later, in the 19th century, during the Peninsular War, the citadel was partially destroyed by Napoleon's troops. However, the site was restored and, well into the 20th century, opened to the public as a cultural and heritage site.

A museum to understand everything

To facilitate visits and delve deeper into the history of the complex, the Ciutadella Museum was opened in 2004, a modern building integrated within the complex. Visitors can take a chronological tour through the ages and learn, through models, audiovisual displays, and archaeological artifacts, how this space has evolved over the centuries.

A visit for everyone

The Ciutadella of Roses is much more than a collection of ancient stones. It's a cultural experience for all audiences: families, schools, history buffs, and curious travelers. Tours can be done independently with the help of information panels and mobile apps, or with specialized guides who provide context and anecdotes that revive the past.

In addition, cultural activities, children's workshops, open-air concerts, and temporary exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year, bringing this ancient space to life.

Visiting the Citadel of Roses is like experiencing the country's history firsthand. It's like strolling through a Greek city, imagining the life of a medieval monk, or listening to the footsteps of the soldiers guarding the walls. In short, it's like connecting with the past in a unique and enriching way.

Schedule

Winter

• From October to March: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Closed Mondays, except holidays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Holy Week: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Summer

• April and May: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• June and September: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• July and August: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

*Closed on December 25 and 26, January 1 and 6.

Let yourself be captivated by its legacy and discover one of the most fascinating corners of the Costa Brava!