Roman Villa of Ametllers: An Ancient Estate near Tossa de Mar

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Official Website: www.infotossa.com

Country: Spain

Civilization: Roman

Remains: Domestic

History

The Roman villa of Ametllers, also known as Villa Vitalis, is situated in the northeast region of Catalonia, near the modern town of Tossa de Mar. This estate was established during the Roman period, with occupation beginning in the 1st century BC.

The villa remained in use for several centuries, continuing to function until the 5th century AD. During this extensive period, it served as both a residential and agricultural center.

Remains

The Roman villa of Ametllers is arranged on the slope of Can Magí Hill, with a clear division between the residential and agricultural sectors. The upper terrace hosts the pars urbana, or living quarters, while the lower terrace contains the pars rustica, the working and storage areas. This layout reflects typical Roman villa organization.

The residential area includes multiple rooms identified as summer and winter dining spaces, guest reception rooms, private living quarters, kitchens, and baths. The baths feature pools for hot, lukewarm, and cold water, supported by an advanced hydraulic system that circulated water throughout the complex. Decorative tessellated mosaics were uncovered in some rooms on the upper terrace.

The agricultural section on the lower terrace contains farming and storage facilities. Archaeologists found several storage pits and four rooms dedicated to wine pressing, indicating viticulture was a significant activity. The villa also includes two monumental gardens, although their precise size remains undetermined.

Excavations conducted intermittently from 1914 to 2006 revealed these features. Artifacts and mosaics recovered from the site are preserved and displayed at the Municipal Museum of Tossa de Mar.