L'Exedra

L'Exedra is a Roman archaeological site in Castellgalí, in the Bages comarca of Barcelona province.

What is L'Exedra?

The site preserves the remains of a semicircular chamber — an exedra in Latin — that once formed part of a Roman villa. Rooms of this kind served a representational purpose, used for conversation, receiving guests, or dining (triclinium). The surviving walls stand up to 4 metres high and were built from small and medium-sized stone blocks. An intact window, topped with an arch of fired clay tiles, is still visible. The structure is dated to the late 2nd or 3rd century AD, with use continuing into the 4th century. It is listed in Catalonia's Inventory of Architectural Heritage and is known locally as "Torre dels Moros" (Tower of the Moors).

Where is it located?

The remains lie in the Boades area, near the farmhouses of Cal Cadevall and Can Vilaseca, within the municipality of Castellgalí. Castellgalí sits in the Bages comarca, on the banks of the Llobregat river, close to Manresa, the comarca's capital.

What is the history behind the site?

The exedra was first documented in 1917 by historian Agustí Duran i Sanpere, who noted "a very important Roman station with a great abundance of ceramic material" during a site visit. The first systematic excavation took place between 1932 and 1936, led by Valentí Santamaria on behalf of the Centre Excursionista de Montserrat. A smaller-scale survey followed in 1978 under archaeologist Miquel Cura, and a further campaign was carried out between 1984 and 1986 by Catalonia's Archaeological Service. Continuous use of the site over the centuries helped preserve the walls in relatively good condition.

What has been found at the site?

Excavations have produced ceramic fragments, mosaic pieces, painted stucco, glass, metal objects and coins. Earlier Iberian occupation is also attested, including storage silos and imported Greek Ionic cups dating to the 6th century BC, alongside two Roman pottery kilns. Together, these finds point to a long, layered occupation of the site, stretching from the Iberian period through to the Roman villa itself.

Why visit L'Exedra?

For travellers interested in Roman archaeology, the site offers a tangible link to rural life in the province of Hispania Tarraconensis. Walking among the remains of the villa's reception room gives a sense of scale and craftsmanship rarely found outside major Roman sites, set within the quiet countryside of the Bages comarca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an exedra? In Roman architecture, an exedra is a semicircular room or recess used for representational purposes — a space for conversation, receiving guests, or dining within a villa.

How old are the remains at Castellgalí? The structure dates to the late 2nd or 3rd century AD, with use continuing into the 4th century.

Were older remains found at the site? Yes. Excavations uncovered traces of earlier Iberian occupation, including storage silos and imported Greek pottery from the 6th century BC.

What is the local name for the site? Locally it is known as "Torre dels Moros," meaning Tower of the Moors.