Badalona continues rescuing its Roman past from oblivion with a major archaeological discovery. Excavations by the Museu de Badalona have uncovered monumental remains of the Roman forum of ancient Baetulo, one of the best-preserved in the Iberian Peninsula.
The site sits on Carrer del Temple in the Dalt de la Vila neighbourhood, right opposite Santa Maria church. Meanwhile, the Departament de Cultura has already greenlit a construction project that will preserve the archaeological remains completely whilst allowing their future public display.
Director Joan Francès highlighted the discovery’s importance in reaffirming Baetulo’s historical value. The challenge ahead involves not just making the site visitable, but connecting it with the nearly 4,000 square metres of Roman city already accessible at the municipal museum’s headquarters.
What archaeologists found
Archaeologists discovered a monumental building with a nymphaeum, an ornamental fountain dedicated to the nymphs that connected the terraces forming the ancient city. This represents a significant part of Baetulo’s forum complex, which archaeologist Clara Forn described as a breakthrough for understanding the city’s social and political life.
For the first time, excavators could conduct an extensive intervention showing several complete buildings. The uncovered remains date from the 1st century, when the forum underwent major reforms. Despite being partially plundered and demolished around the 3rd century, they remain in remarkably good condition.
After abandonment, the space saw other uses including a wine press. From the 5th century onwards, following Rome’s fall, houses were built on the site right through the medieval period. Archaeologists also found at least six burials from this era.
From carpentry shop to Roman treasure
The remains had been buried over time beneath a carpentry workshop and a glue factory built in the mid-20th century. Work began with the factory’s demolition in mid-2023 and has now reached the consolidation phase.
Researchers estimate Baetulo’s forum covered nearly 5,000 square metres, equivalent to two insulae or blocks of houses. This discovery adds substantially to our understanding of Roman life in what is now Barcelona’s northern neighbour.
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