Baelo Claudia
Historic siteBaelo Claudia grew rich on rotten fish: founded at the end of the second century BC, it salted tuna and brewed garum for the empire, and Claudius rewarded it with the rank of municipium.
What it actually is
The most complete Roman town in Iberia, for an unglamorous reason: abandoned by the sixth century AD and buried under blown sand, it was never quarried for stone. It has been protected since 1925.
What actually survives
A paved forum; a basilica of 19.5 by 35.5 metres; a theatre cut into the slope for some 2,000 people; four temples, three for Jupiter, Juno and Minerva and one for Isis. Then the walls, four aqueducts and the garum vats.
Frequently asked questions
What was garum?
A fermented fish sauce, the everyday condiment of Roman cooking.
Is the site on the beach?
Yes, at the north end of Playa de Bolonia.
How long does a visit take?
Ninety minutes to two hours. There is almost no shade.
Explore more of the Costa de la Luz
Baelo Claudia is one of many destinations on the CostaMap interactive map — browse beaches, coves, castles and viewpoints across the coast.