The Citadel

(4th century BC – 19th century)
Cultural Asset of National Interest

The walk around the site of La Ciutadella is essential for anyone visiting Roses. Declared a historical and artistic centre in 1961, the citadel contains vestiges of various occupations of the last thirteen centuries.

The military fortification, with its monumental Sea Gate, is a Renaissance-style enclosure of 131,480 m² built in 1543.

The important archaeological site which lies within the fortification consists of :

– the remains of the Hellenistic district within the Greek settlement of Rhode, which enjoyed its period of greatest prosperity in the 4th and 3rd century BC
– the Roman villa, dating back to 2nd century BC and 6th century AD.
– the paleochristian necropolis.
– several Visigothic buildings.
– the Lombard Romanesque monastery of Santa Maria, dating back to the 11th century and the remains of the fortified medieval town.
– the remains of several military buildings dating back to 16th century.
– the Museum which provides an insight into the history and heritage of Roses, from prehistory to modern times.
– the Exhibition Hall.
A guided tour of the Citadel is a history master class concentrated in a unique area of seventeen hectares where you can enjoy a complete itinerary, totally signposted including a lot of information.
Family cultural activities available.