Baelo Claudia

The archaeological site of Baelo Claudia is situated in an extraordinary location on Bolonia beach (in Tarifa) and within El Estrecho Natural Park. The Roman town has its origins in the late 2nd century B.C. and was built on a former Phoenician-Punic settlement known as Bailo Baelokun. It was an important commercial port due to its proximity to Africa. Baelo Claudia surprises with its incredible state of conservation. Its canned and salted food was what made it important at the time. An earthquake in the third century A.D. terribly affected this city, although a small nucleus of the population managed to survive until the beginning of the 7th century A.D. From there, Baelo Claudia is depopulated. In 1917 the first excavations begin to be carried out. Researchers find remains of a city built according to the classical Roman style, following a very well planned urban project. The Archaeological Site of Baelo Claudia is one of the best examples of Roman urbanism in the province of Cádiz. Some buildings are from the time of Augustus, although most were built under Claudius. Bolonia (and Tarifa) is not only a perfect destination to enjoy sun and sand, but to get to know this great historical and cultural jewel that evokes past times of great splendour.