Places in Spain - Baelo Claudia - Roman city (Tarifa) |
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Baelo Claudia is an archaeological complex in a small village called Bolonia, 22km from Tarifa. It consists of a near complete Roman city, allbeit in ruin. A new visitor centre has been built on the site and excavations continue.
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See our video of
Baelo Claudia |
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The complex is free to visit for EU citizens and is well organised. There's a strict set of rules for visitors (see below) and on our visit we felt the female desk staff had a bit of an attitude problem. There is a small charge for non-EU citizens. |
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| The ruins at Baelo Claudia are the most important and complete on the Iberian Peninsula. They include the Forum, Basilica, Baths, market and Temple of Isis. |
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Baelo Claudia is based alongside the Bay Of Bolonia and the city made it's living from the sea, mainly fishing for tuna. The rear of the city was defended by the mountain range. |
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| The extensive site clearly illustrates the typical layout of a Roman city. Some of the remnants are in amazing condition. The visitor centre houses some of the finds made on the site. |
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| Baelo Claudia was settled at the end of the 2nd century AD, in the time of Emperor Claudius but fell into decline by the 6th century mainly due to earthquakes. At its height it was an important port, trading with north Africa. The industrial part of Baelo Claudia also produced garum. There were three aqueducts that supplied water to the city and remains of the circular city wall and gates have been found. No other Roman site in Spain gives so much information about Roman city life. |
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The columns of the Basilica can be seen with the Forum in front of it. |
Baelo Cludia
Ensenada de Bolonia s/n
Tarifa
Cadiz
Tel: 956 688 530
www.juntadeandalucia.es/cultura/baeloclaudia |
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Baelo Claudia is located right on the beach at Ensenada Bolonia, just a few km from the main Tarifa - Cadiz road (N340). The winding CA P8202 road ends at the car park to Baelo Claudia where you will find free parking. A few moments before arriving you will pass through the small town of Bolonia where you will find a few cafes and restaurants. There are a couple of beach bars open in the summer. |
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Rules at Baelo Claudia
No smoking anywhere
No pets
No food or drink
No climbing
No flash photography - no tripods
Personal photos only allowed
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