Finca del Secretario Roman Site
Explore ancient Roman garum production, baths, and pottery kilns at this fascinating archaeological site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Museum access & staff availability
Finca del Secretario Roman Site
Best Time
Museum access & staff availability
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Roman garum production, baths, and pottery kilns at this fascinating archaeological site.
"Amazing place where you can see how they made garum centuries ago."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is difficult. Aim for a street 10 mins walk away.
🗣️ Staff are Gold!
The interpretation center staff are super helpful and informative, many speak English.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Garum Production
Fish Factory Remains
See firsthand how Romans made garum, a fermented fish sauce, centuries ago. A truly unique historical insight.
Roman Baths Complex
Bathhouse Area
Imagine Romans relaxing in these well-preserved baths with distinct heated rooms and pools. The mosaic courtyard is a stunning remnant.
Pottery Kilns
Pottery Area
Discover the remnants of pottery production, including visible kilns, offering a glimpse into ancient craftsmanship.
Interpretation Center
Entrance Area
Gain crucial context for the ruins from the informative and friendly staff, many of whom speak English.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Garum Insights
Unlocking Roman History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is difficult. Aim for a street 10 mins walk away.
🗣️ Staff are Gold!
The interpretation center staff are super helpful and informative, many speak English.
🏛️ Context is Key
Visit the interpretation center first to truly understand the ruins.
⏳ Check Bath Info Hours
Specific hours for the Roman Bath information center may differ.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is difficult. Aim for a street 10 mins walk away.
🗣️ Staff are Gold!
The interpretation center staff are super helpful and informative, many speak English.
🏛️ Context is Key
Visit the interpretation center first to truly understand the ruins.
⏳ Check Bath Info Hours
Specific hours for the Roman Bath information center may differ.
🎧 Audio Tour Volume
The app's audio tour can be a bit quiet, so be prepared.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Finca del Secretario for its fascinating insights into Roman life, particularly the garum production and well-preserved baths. The helpful and knowledgeable staff at the interpretation center are a major highlight, enhancing the educational experience. While parking can be a challenge, the free entry and historical depth make it a highly worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts.
"Amazing place where you can see how they maked garum centuries ago. We have enjoyed this place very much. The museum was free. Its closed at 14.00h. The friendly lady helped us with many information about the Yacimiento. Parking space is really difficult. Its 10 minutes by walking the next street."
S “Coincollecter” B
"I agree with other posts. If you have any interest in history then well worth a visit. Gate was open as was the cafe (very friendly). Different opening times if you want to catch the Roman Bath information centre (see photo). With imagination you can clearly see the Romans moving about the well explained baths, with different heated rooms and pools. Mosaic courtyard floor still intact.
Beside the remains of a fish factory and pottery with kilns visible. Notice boards in Spanish & English + QR code. Small gardens very relaxing."
Derek
"The lady in the interpretation center, Jauni, was very informative and friendly. She also spoke English well. Very worthwhile going to the Interpretation center to understand the Roman ruins better."
Jill Bowden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is accessible by car, but parking can be very challenging. Many visitors report needing to park on a street about 10 minutes away. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended if possible.
Parking is described as 'really difficult' by visitors. It's advisable to factor in extra time to find a spot or be prepared for a short walk from where you park.
While the site itself is explorable on foot, getting there might require driving due to its location. If you are staying nearby, a walk might be feasible, but check local maps for accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
According to reviews, the museum is free to enter. However, it's always a good idea to check for any potential changes in admission policies.
The site is generally open until 2:00 PM. Some visitors noted the access gate was open even when the cafe was shut, suggesting potential for extended access, but official hours should be confirmed.
There's no mention of needing to book tickets in advance. The site is often described as having an open gate, and the museum is free.
Yes, there are different opening times for the Roman Bath information center compared to the main site. It's recommended to check these specific hours to ensure you can access all relevant information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the remains of a fish factory where garum was made, see pottery kilns, wander through well-explained Roman baths with heated rooms and pools, and admire an intact mosaic courtyard floor.
Yes, there is an app with an audio tour. However, some users found the volume to be a bit quiet, so be prepared for that.
Notice boards are available in both Spanish and English, and QR codes are provided for more information. The interpretation center staff also offer excellent explanations.
Yes, the site features small gardens that visitors find very relaxing.
Information on accessibility is limited, but the site involves walking around ruins. It's advisable to contact the site directly for specific accessibility details.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small cafe on site, though some visitors noted it was shut when they attended. It's described as very friendly when open.
There are small gardens which are very relaxing, suggesting it might be a suitable place for a picnic. However, check for any specific site rules regarding outside food.
📸 📸 Photography
The intact mosaic courtyard floor in the Roman baths is a highlight for photography. The ancient garum production area and pottery kilns also offer unique visual opportunities.
There are no restrictions mentioned regarding photography, so you should be able to capture the historical remains freely.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical Tip: The interpretation center staff are very helpful and can often tailor explanations to be more engaging for younger visitors. Consider bringing a small picnic to enjoy in the relaxing gardens if the on-site cafe is closed. Be mindful of the parking situation and the potential for a short walk.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Must-Do: Make full use of the interpretation center and its knowledgeable staff. The English signage and QR codes are also helpful for in-depth exploration. The presence of pottery kilns adds another layer to understanding Roman industrial practices. Don't miss the chance to delve into the details of this significant Roman settlement.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Pro-Tip: The audio tour app, though sometimes quiet, can be a good companion for solo exploration. The relaxing gardens offer a peaceful spot to reflect on what you've learned. Be prepared for the parking challenge, but the ease of access to information and the site itself makes it a great solo adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Garum Production
The historical significance of garum cannot be overstated. It was a valuable commodity, traded across the Roman Empire. Seeing the actual facilities where it was made brings history to life in a tangible way, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Roman culinary practices or ancient trade.
Exploring the Roman Baths
Imagining the daily life of Romans as they moved through these baths adds a powerful dimension to the visit. The site's interpretation center and informative staff are crucial for understanding the function of each area and the social importance of bathing in Roman society.
Key Features of the Baths:
* Distinct heated rooms for different temperatures.
* Pools for plunging and relaxation.
* Intact mosaic flooring in the courtyard.
* Evidence of advanced heating systems (hypocausts).
The Role of the Interpretation Center
Don't skip this step! Visiting the interpretation center before or during your exploration of the ruins will significantly enhance your understanding of what you are seeing. It's the key to unlocking the stories behind the stones, from the garum production to the intricacies of the Roman baths.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit