Explore the Remains of Baelo Claudia — an Ancient Roman City by the Sea
Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Baelo Claudia offers a striking glimpse into the Roman world. Just 90 minutes from Costa Ballena Golf and Beach Resort, this ancient city near Bolonia Beach in Cádiz province stands among the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Spain. With the Strait of Gibraltar as its backdrop, Baelo Claudia reveals daily life as it was lived nearly two millennia ago.
From Trade Hub to Archaeological Treasure
Founded in the late 2nd century BCE on the foundations of a former Phoenician-Punic settlement, Baelo Claudia emerged as a key commercial outpost linking the Iberian Peninsula with North Africa. Its strategic coastal position made it a hub for trade — especially the export of salted fish and garum, the pungent fermented sauce so prized by Roman palates. The town’s success earned it municipal status under Emperor Claudius.
But prosperity proved fragile. A devastating earthquake and tsunami in the 2nd century CE, followed by pirate raids and political instability, triggered the city’s decline. By the 6th century, Baelo Claudia had been largely abandoned, left to the shifting sands of time.
Walking Through History
Visitors today can walk the city’s original streets, where the decumanus maximus and cardo maximus intersect at the central forum — hallmarks of Roman urban planning. Surrounding the plaza are the basilica, the curia, and temples dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, as well as the Egyptian goddess Isis, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan character.
The theatre, with seating for 2,000, remains one of the site’s most impressive structures, while the market (macellum), public baths (thermae), and shops (tabernae) offer a glimpse into the rhythms of Roman daily life.
The Business of Garum
Baelo Claudia thrived on the sea. Recent excavations have revealed well-preserved salting factories where tuna was processed and garum was produced in large vats. These industrial remains underscore the town’s vital role in the food economy of the Roman Empire — its products shipped as far afield as Rome and beyond.
A Modern Lens on Ancient Life
A modern visitor centre, designed by architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra, complements the archaeological site. Inside, interactive exhibits and 3D reconstructions provide historical context and a deeper understanding of life in Baelo Claudia. Ongoing excavations by the University of Cádiz continue to uncover new findings, including one of Hispania’s few female tombs and the only known copy of the Doryphoros of Polykleitos on the Iberian Peninsula.
In 2022, the site was featured in the Netflix series The Crown, lending a touch of modern pop culture to its enduring story.
Planning Your Visit
Baelo Claudia is open year-round, with free entry for EU citizens carrying valid ID. Its location beside the unspoiled sands of Bolonia Beach makes it ideal for combining historical discovery with a day at the coast.
A visit to Baelo Claudia offers more than a change of scenery — it’s a vivid journey into the legacy of Roman Andalusia, set where sea, sand, and civilisation meet.
Contacts
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 956 10 67 93
Tel Reception: 956 10 69 00
Website: https://www.museosdeandalucia.es/web/conjuntoarqueologicobaeloclaudia/informacion-general