Roses

A well-preserved 7th-century Visigothic fortified settlement perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Roses. Surrounded by an oval granite wall with a single gate flanked by square towers, the site offers panoramic coastal views and insight into the turbulent final years of Visigothic rule in northeastern Iberia. Archaeological excavations have uncovered house foundations, silos, pottery, bronze items, and iron agricultural tools, suggesting a small farming and fishing community sheltered within the fortifications. The monument is considered one of the finest surviving Visigothic fortresses in the Iberian Peninsula and is protected as a Cultural Asset of National Interest.

Along with the Ciutadella de Roses, it provided defenses for the town of Roses. The castle was completed in 1551 It was defended for twelve days by Royal Navy sailors and marines under the command of Captain Thomas, Lord Cochrane, supported by Catalan militia and regulars in 1808 and the damage inflicted by the besieging French and Italian artillery was compounded by an immense explosion of gunpowder barrels from Cochrane's frigate HMS Imperieuse, laid by him to deny the investing French control of the sea approaches to the Bay of Rosas. It was built in the shape of a five-pointed star for defence purposes. The construction is about 18–20 metres high, with thick walls, and designed to house a garrison of about 350 men.

A vast Renaissance-era citadel enclosing more than 2,000 years of history on the seafront. Built in the 16th century under Emperor Charles V to defend the Gulf of Roses from pirates and French attacks, the pentagonal fortress walls surround extensive archaeological remains from successive Greek, Roman, Visigothic, medieval, and early modern settlements. Inside are the ruins of the Greek colony of Rhode, a Roman town, the Romanesque monastery of Santa Maria, and parts of the medieval town, making the site one of the most important archaeological complexes on the Costa Brava. The restored citadel functions as an open-air museum and cultural venue, with walking paths, exhibitions, and panoramic views of the bay.