Introduction

This archaeological site was discovered in 1980 when development work was started on the area of Cambrils known as Building Zone 30. The Town Council decided to suspend the work until archaeologists had been able to determine the importance of the remains and the first excavations were carried out in 1983 and 1984. Since 1990 archaeological excavations have been undertaken every year by participants in work camps organized by the Catalan Youth Services Institute, in collaboration with the Cambrils Town Council and the Tarragona Provincial Government.

The archaeological excavations

In 1991 the 18,000 square metres occupied by the archaeological remains were designated a 'green space' under the Cambrils General Town Plan. Since then, other vestiges have been discovered outside the perimeter, confirming the theory that the remains cover a larger area than originally thought. The La Llosa archaeological work camps have brought young people from all over the world to Cambrils, each of whom has contributed a little more to our understanding of the site.

One of the most important advances has been the dating of the settlement to between the 1st century BC and the 6th century AD. Evidence has also been uncovered to show the different activities carried out in the villa over the centuries - a salt fish factory, a residence, ovens, the ruins of some private baths and a small Low Imperial period necropolis. All this is important additional information to add to our knowledge of the Roman occupation of the territory surrounding the city of Tarraco, especially following the discovery of an exceptional collection of bronzes in February 1992. That find showed us that La Llosa was once the home of a family of high social status, who lived by the sea and could afford to buy bronzes from Italy in the 1st century AD.

The project

The Town Hall has incorporated La Llosa into the Cambrils Museum of History Autonomous Body. The aim is to make the site available to the public by creating an Archaeological Park.The Town Hall has incorporated La Llosa into the Cambrils Museum of History Autonomous Body. The aim is to make the site available to the public by creating an Archaeological Park.