L’Escala is known for two things: Anchovies and the Greco-Roman ruins of Empúries.  The origins of this small village go back to the early Iron Age, but the remains that can be seen today at the Empuries archaeological site are those of both a Greek trading port and a Roman military camp and is one of the oldest of its kind found on the Iberian Peninsula. Founded in the 6th century BC by ancient Greek traders from Phocaea, Emporion, as it was originally known, was used by Greek merchants who utilised the advantageous location of its valuable natural harbour. The very name of the village implied its commercial purpose as empurion means ‘market’ in ancient Greek.

 

In 218 BC the Romans took control of Empuries in an attempt to block Carthaginian troops during the Second Punic War. By 195 BC a Roman military camp had been established and over the next century a Roman colony named Emporiae emerged at the site, lasting until the end of the third century AD. However, over time the city waned as the nearby centres of Barcino (Barcelona) and Tarraco (Tarragona) grew. The importance of Empuries dwindled and the city was largely abandoned at this time.

In the eighth century AD the Franks took control of the region, after defeating the Moors, and the area took on an administrative function – becoming capital of the Carolingian county of Empúries. This role remained until the eleventh century, when it was transferred to Castellon. From then on Empuries served as the home of small groups of local fisherman and was largely forgotten. Then in the 16th century a group of fishermen decided they needed a new port. That is when L’Escala as we know it today was founded. Many Greek and Roman stones from Emporion or Emporiae served as the building material. And once L’Escala was built they left Empuries and it disappeared beneath the dunes and this unique archaeological park was hidden for centuries until, in 1908, the excavations began that continue to this day.

 

Remains at the site include the ruins of the Greek market and port, an ancient necropolis as well as the Roman-era walls, mosaics, amphitheatre and early Christian basilica.

The ruins illustrate the rich and diverse history of the city, from holy areas and temples to a statue honouring Jupiter. Many of the finds from Empuries can be seen in the small on-site museum, which contains replicas as well as original items. Artefacts from the site can also be found at the central museum in Barcelona.

 

The Phoenicians and Greeks (in the 6th and 5th centuries BC) were the first to introduce techniques for preserving anchovies through salting processes. Subsequently, the Romans continued working with anchovies using this art of salting. And when the fisherman moved to L’Escala they brought the tradition with them and fishing and salt extraction became the main industries, a tradition which continues to this day; nearly 2000 years after it was first introduced. There is still an anchovies festival each year in L’Escala to mark the tradition.