The city was renamed 'Lucentum' (City of Light) when it fell under Roman control, providing the etymological root for the name 'Alicante'.
The site features a rare example of a 'taberna' with an original stone counter, offering insight into ancient commercial infrastructure.
The defensive walls surrounding the site contain both Iberian stone masonry and later Roman fortifications.
Archaeologists discovered a necropolis outside the city walls, which provided critical data regarding the burial rites of the local inhabitants.
The Roman baths on the site were positioned to utilize the natural slope of the hill for heating and water circulation.
Tossal de Manises represents the archaeological remains of Lucentum, a major Iberian and Roman city that served as the predecessor to modern Alicante. The site encompasses an area of approximately 25,000 square meters on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean coast. Visitors walk through the excavated urban layout, which includes remnants of a forum, defensive walls, and residential dwellings. The site displays significant evidence of Romanization, including thermal baths and a sophisticated water drainage system. Artifacts recovered from the site are preserved and managed by the MARQ Archaeological Museum of Alicante. The layout clearly delineates the division between the public monumental areas and private living quarters of the Roman occupants. Excavations have revealed structural layers dating back to the 4th century BC through the 3rd century AD.
The highest point of the city walls provides a panoramic view of the ruins with the sea in the background.
Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, as the site is completely exposed to the sun with very little natural shade.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain and rocky pathways safely.
Download the site map from the MARQ website before arriving, as signage on-site can be minimal.
Do not attempt to visit during the hottest hours of the day in July or August without adequate hydration.
Closed on Mondays.
Do not climb on the ancient stone walls or remove any archaeological fragments from the site.
