Sant Martí d'Empúries: Archaeology, Historic Centre and Coastal Paths

Sant Martí d'Empúries has been continuously inhabited since the first settlements in the 9th century BC. The archaeological settlement of Palaiápolis in the present-day historic centre of Sant Martí d'Empúries was the first Greek settlement founded by Phocaean colonists; its foundation is dated to the second half of the 6th century BC.

History

Sant Martí d'Empúries is designated as a cultural asset of national interest in the “Historic Ensemble” category. The corresponding decision is dated 14 February 1996. Empúries is an exceptional archaeological site where a later Roman city followed an urbanistically developed Greek colony.

At archaeological sites, it is advisable to check current opening hours and possible event dates before visiting.

In the historic centre, the parish church stands in the middle of Plaça Major. It was built over the remains of the moat of the medieval castle. The remains of Sant Martí d'Empúries Castle lie on the south side of Plaça Major; only the portal and the wall remain from the 13th- to 14th-century castle. A large part of the 13th-century walls of Sant Martí d'Empúries has been preserved.

The surviving sections of wall and the single portal point to the remaining structures of the medieval castle; the parish church stands over its former moat.

The historic building stock also includes Casa dels Forestals. The building dates from 1910, while its main façade features a style with Modernist elements.

Nature

The Duna Litoral public forest lies in the centre of Sant Martí d'Empúries, within the municipality of L'Escala, and covers approximately 15 ha. In addition, the coastal dune of Sant Martí d'Empúries forms an emblematic and unique habitat with great floral diversity.

Paths and Activities

Passeig d'Empúries was opened in 1992 on the occasion of the Barcelona Olympic Games and connects Sant Martí d'Empúries with the centre of L'Escala. The approximately two-kilometre-long promenade is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. Along the way, it passes, among other places, the Greek-Roman archaeological site of Empúries, the ancient Moll Grec and the Mirador de les Coves viewpoint.

In the wider regional area, a signpost for Route 9 Alt Empordà leads from the tourist information office in Sant Pere Pescador to Sant Martí d'Empúries; it indicates a walking time of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

More Destinations

More destinations: Avinyonet De Puigventós, Vilopriu, Fortià, Ultramort, Sant Hilari Sacalm, Cervià De Ter, Aiguaviva and Camprodon.

The linear Camí de ronda pel poble runs from Cala Montgó to Sant Martí d'Empúries. The route is 8 km long, takes 4 hours and has a low level of difficulty. Del Riuet Beach is suitable for wind-dependent water sports.

For the overarching travel overview: Girona.