port and the coast, It had a garrison of up to two hundred men. The building remains an extraordinary example of coastal artillery fortress.
Cultural Heritage 01 | 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. The military fortification, with its monumental Sea Gate, is a Renaissance-style enclosure built in 1543.
If you want to know the singular history of this castle, just ask for further information of the several guided tours and family activities suggested.
01 | The Citadel
03 | Megalithic Complex (3,000 – 2,700 BC) Cultural Asset of National Interest
The important archaeological site which lies within the fortification consists of:
ROSES
- 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.
WHAT TO DO?
We invite you to travel back in time. The remains of the earliest known inhabitants of Roses lie on the road to Montjoi, within the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus. It is an impressive megalithic complex consisting of several dolmens, menhirs, cists and inscultures. Creu d’en Cobertella is the largest dolmen, built with seven huge blocks placed vertically and a slab weighing over eighteen tones, and one of the largest prehistoric monuments in Catalonia.
01 | The Citadel
03 | Dolmen “Creu d’en Cobertella”
04 | Visigothic Fortress (6th-8th Century) Cultural Asset of National Interest The remains of the mid-seventh-century Visigothic Fortress is one of the most special, hidden and unknown sites in Roses. Although the fortress is located atop a strategic hill overlooking the old town of Rhodes-Roses, the bay and the access to the port, it remains hidden from the sea by Puig Rom. It was inhabited between the seventh and the eighth centuries AD and some archaeological homes, silos and streets still remain today. Ask for further information about our guided tours.
A guided tour of the Citadel is a history master class concentrated in a unique area where you can enjoy a complete itinerary, totally signposted. Family cultural activities and guided tours availables.
02 | Trinity Castle (16th century) Cultural Asset of National Interest
All the monuments can be visited along three easy itinerarys which are fully signposted. Discover all its secrets with our guided tours.
01 | Trinity Castle
04 | Visigothic Fortress
05 | Fishing port Would you like the see the impressive sights over one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World? Visit Trinity Castle which crowns the Poncella point above the lighthouse of Roses. The military construction, which dates from 1544, was erected under the reign of Emperor Charles I, as an essential complement to the Citadel. It has the shape of a five-pointed star, with pronounced angular corners for defence against enemy projectiles. It is built on a grand scale with two-metre thick walls. It had three terraces for batteries of cannons, howitzers and mortars, set at different heights, to defend the
Oficina de Turisme de Roses Av. de Rhode, 77-79 17480 Roses (Girona) Tel. 972 25 73 31 turisme@roses.cat www.visit.roses.cat
Join the guided tour of the Port of Roses, the first and most important fishing port in Catalonia in volume of fish caught. Get to know the seafaring life, the different fishing techniques, autochthonous species in the northern Mediterranean and discover the auction at the fish market. With the proposals of Pesca-Turisme ( Fishing-tourism) you'll experience at first hand a day's fishing with the fishermen of Roses.
02 | Trinity Castle
Ajuntament de Roses.Edició febrer 2017
ENGLISH
02 | Fishing-Tourism
06 | The Lighthouse (19th century) The lighthouse stands on a rock base of exceptional geological interest at Poncella point guiding the entrance to the port. It was built in 1864 in neoclassic style. It was electrified in 1921 with a 500 watts incandescent lamp. Use it as a reference if you want to follow the coastal path.
Between Trinitat and Escorxador streets you will find Plaça de la Pau (Pau square), which is dedicated to the historical memory of the Spanish Civil War. The remodelling of the area, which consists of a sculpture by artist Ció Abellí, was inaugurated in 2006. The sculpture reflects on the irrationality of war and the value of life. In the square there is an air-raid shelter built between 1937-1938. It follows the general rules and technical guidelines drafted by the Board of Passive Defence of Catalonia from the period of the republican government. Guided visits to the shelter are organised for small groups. For further information, consult the Tourist Office.
Roses also connects with the Natural Park of the Aiguamolls, an extremely important marshal area for the preservation of the natural environment.
Those who want to escape from all these activities and have a break can enjoy the Jacuzzi, saunas, steam baths, massages and all kind of Thalassotherapy pleasures on the spa centers.
Roses is the gateway to the D.O. Empordà Wine Route, a route made up of around fifty wineries, businesses, cooperatives and catering companies that are willing to show you their passion for wine via guided tours and other activities such as wine pairings, concerts, workshops, wine tasting sessions, exhibitions etc.
Roses for Families
L’Empordà contains some splendid wine country. Wines that express the very essence of the Mediterranean and that are linked to a world-renowned gastronomic culture.
05 | The Lighthouse
Active Roses There is a wide range of cultural, festive and sporting events throughout the year including traditional festivals, conferences, blues and rock festivals, exhibitions, all types of concerts, habanera concerts, firework displays, exhibitions, sporting tournaments, theater, shows for children, the beach kids’ Club…
06 | Church
Natural Park of Cap de Creus
Some of the most important are the traditional festival of Saint John (June 23), St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen (29th June); the Festa Major (local Festival (15th August), which includes many different events, some with a tradition of more than half a century and the Carnival of Roses, which over the years has become one of the most renowned in Catalonia, with a large participation of groups and floats. There are some other thematic festivals along the year. See the programme of activities. Lying between two national parks and the Mediterranean Sea, Roses offers the ideal setting for enjoying nature.
Natural Heritage The Natural Park of Cap de Creus and the Aiguamolls park
On the outskirts of the town there are more possibilities available to everyone, such as horse riding, skydiving, golf,...
It is a rest, supply and reproduction area for a large number of birds both local and migratory while preserving the specific vegetation of salt marshes.
07 | Historic Centre (12th – 20th century) Stroll along the narrow, uneven, streets in the centre round the church. They all are full of restaurants and small shops where you can enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. If you decide to visit Santa Maria Church, you will discover the ancient temple built in 1796 whose apse, transept and dome are still preserved, The rest of the nave, the side chapels and the façade are neo-classical works from 1853 by the architect Martí Sureda i Deulovol. In the Plaça de Catalunya (Catalunya square) you will find examples of Modernist architecture, like the Casa Mallol, which is the present Town Hall.
gorgonians and posidonia. In spring whales, dolphins and sperm whales can be seen on their annual migration.
07 | Monument to fishermen
Natural Park of Cap de Creus
For hikers and nature lovers Roses offers twelve signposted and accessible routes integrated in a unique natural environment as a result of the perfect combination of sea and mountains. You can also enjoy the contrasting landscapes of the Alt Empordà by bicycle. A network of signposted trails offers routes with different difficulty levels. You’ll surely find one that suits you.
Roses, with approximately 60% of its municipal area included within the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, fully protects 10.700 hectares beside the coastal strip, and offers a wide range of exceptional landscapes in a natural environment such as the integral reserve of Norfeu, a wealth of geological, floral and animal life.
The contrasting coastline of Roses with cliffs, coves with transparent water and wide sandy beaches with shallow waters ideal for families and nautical sports such as sailing, rowing, diving, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking and even boats rental, jet skis, catamarans and sailboats.
The underwater world is also a fundamental part of the natural heritage of Roses with a wealth of animal and plant species typical of sandy and rocky seabeds such as groupers, 09 | Natural Park of Cap de Creus
Footpaths
As a certified Family Tourism Destination, in Roses fun is guaranteed for the whole family with very different activities: karting, spending a day at a water park, playing golf, discover the Cap de Creus by sailing on a cruise boat or having a ride on the tourist train. These are just some of the possible leisure hour activities on offer in Roses.
Carnival
Diving
Cycle tourism
Sea cruises
Windsurfing
Enotourism
Family activities
Gastronomy
Gastronomy The cuisine of Roses, between tradition and creativity, is mainly based on fresh fish. As a natural port, Roses has an important fishing fleet that provides the daily fresh fish and seafood to the town. Both the arrival and departure of vessels is a spectacular sight. Suquet de Peix (fish stew) is the most traditional and representative dish of Roses and you can enjoy it at various restaurants throughout the year. If you feel inspired to cook these specialities for yourselves, the famous fumet de peix (fish soup) created by the Roses fishermen will give your dishes the true taste of sailors' cooking. The Roses cuisine has achieved international fame thanks to Ferran Adria’s brilliant creations, the chef of El Bulli restaurant, which was considered the best restaurant in the world for years and is currently undergoing conversion to El Bulli Foundation. Both the traditional and prestigious modern gastronomy are influenced by the local Mediterranean character: fresh fish, olive oil, excellent garden produce, honey, nice meat and anchovies.
Wine tourism Do not forget to accompany your meals with PDO Empordà wine from the local wineries : young wines, fruity rosé, white woody wines, vintage wines and the famous Grenache wine.
We would recommend you visit during April when the Vívid wine festival takes place with a lot of different activities related to the world of wine. You can find more information at: www.vivid.costabrava.org