Yacimiento arqueológico la Picola

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Come and discover Santa Pola's origins at this fascinating archaeological site.

The yacimiento arqueológico de La Picola, La Picola archaeological site in Santa Pola lets you travel back in time to the ancient ‘Portus Ilicitanus’, the Roman port of the colony of Ilici, now Elche. This was the name by which Santa Pola was known back then.

Located on what was once the coastline, and is now adjacent to the town centre, La Picola was a strategic enclave that grew into a commercial emporium. Active since the 5th century BCE, the settlement was linked to fishing, salt flats and the production of salted fish and garum, a condiment highly prized in Rome.

Ruins such as a wall with towers from the Iberian period and a Roman factory are still preserved, vestiges that have been declared protected assets due to their historical value. This is a must-see if you want to understand Santa Pola's Mediterranean past. Add it to your trip itinerary!