Other stages
A protective cover is being built over the Allon thermal baths as part of the urban regeneration of La Vila Joiosa. Construction on this section has already begun, with an estimated completion time of six months. This phase forms the third segment of the Master Plan, enabling the long term goal of museumizing the Roman ruins and eventually making the site more accessible to visitors.
At present, the archaeological remains are sealed underground to ensure their preservation. In the first two stages, the surrounding perimeter was reinforced and the party walls of the plot in the heart of the historic district were strengthened. The current phase focuses on erecting a 915 square meter roof that will protect the underground remains, define the space, and help restore its visual volume. The project carries a budget that includes a grant of 1,115,042.98 euros and 400,000 euros from the Provincial Council, with 600,000 euros supported by European funds from the Sustainability Plan for Tourism in Destinations (PSTD).
Carmen Sellés, Provincial Deputy for Architecture, Building and Facilities Protection, visited the rehabilitation works at the Roman Baths of Allon, an archaeological site dating back to the late first century. The visit underscored the council’s commitment to safeguarding the city’s heritage. Local officials, including Mayor Marcos Zaragoza and members of the municipal organization, were present, along with Rafael Pérez, chief architect of the Alicante Provincial Council, and Antonio Espinosa, head of municipal archaeology and museum services.
It is important to remember that Allon’s history includes baths. In 2006, prior to the construction of a hotel in the old town, archaeological tastings uncovered elements of Roman baths. The site sits in a central area a short distance from Colón Street, on land that remains largely visible only as a footprint with surrounding vegetation. Once discoveries are made, exploration is carefully covered again until the moment a project is ready to proceed, ensuring continued protection of the site.
Other stages
With the completion of the first two stages, the perimeter received reinforcement and work on the party walls of the Alicante Provincial Assembly was carried out at a cost of 187,343.71 euros, with a 50 percent subsidy. Nevertheless, three additional phases are planned for future excavation, consolidation, and museumization of the Roman ruins, aimed at expanding access and interpretation of the site for residents and visitors alike.
The mayor expressed gratitude to the Alicante Provincial Council for its ongoing cooperation in the museumization project of the thermal baths and for participating in the Joint Monitoring Commission of the Agreement, alongside the Alicante Archaeological Museum (MARQ) and the City Council. Vila Joiosa is contributing a substantial portion of the funding for the rehabilitation phases, ensuring the project can unfold and eventually showcase a Roman monument that highlights the city’s historical significance. This site is envisioned as a cornerstone of the cultural corridor of La Vila Joiosa, linking past and present in a meaningful way.
Deputy Carmen Sellés reaffirmed that the Provincial Council of Alicante remains committed to supporting important historical heritage initiatives that extend beyond Villajoyosa, benefiting the province and the Valencian Community as a whole.