Benidorm’s Tossal de la Cala castellan remains yielding insights from Roman times
The castellum at Tossal de la Cala in Benidorm continues to reveal clues about life at the fortress. Found among its remnants are a founding amphora and a range of materials that help archaeologists interpret daily existence within the castle walls. Ongoing phases of exploration keep surfacing new discoveries, with the most significant to date being an exceptional element: inscultura, a rock engraving carved more than two millennia ago by a Roman resident of the walls.
Described as a relief of outstanding historical significance in a report by a University of Alicante professor who led the excavations, the composition shows three identifiable features: a human face, a cornucopia, and a phallus. The scene measures 57 by 42 centimeters. The researchers acknowledge that the relief may be incomplete, as the upper right quadrant is missing, but the find already adds a vivid glimpse into the era.
Benidorm’s ongoing work on the Tossal’s Roman castellum continues to attract attention as researchers assess the full meaning and context of this engraving. The team notes the importance of the discovery and its uniqueness within sites once dominated by Rome. The excavation leadership emphasizes the importance of preserving this piece within the historical narrative of the Republic period when the Tossal castle was documented.
The discovery has prompted careful considerations about conservation. The City Council and the technical team emphasize handling the find with utmost discretion, collaborating with authorized institutions such as the General Directorate of Heritage of the Ministry of National Education, Culture and Sports to ensure proper preservation and study.
Tribute to Benidorm’s heritage as Tossal’s Roman castellum moves forward
Since its uncovering, the priority has been safeguarding inscultura while continuing to study its placement within the site. Efforts aim to allow safe display without detaching the inscription from its original context at the Tossal. A Museumization project, embedded in the Tourism Sustainability Plan Benidorm DTI + Seguro, is progressing with the goal of presenting the inscription under secure and accessible conditions. The plan places special emphasis on protecting the engraving and providing a meaningful interpretation for visitors, with completion anticipated in the near future.
In parallel, a new intervention is underway on the castellum. The project allocation exceeds 400,000 euros, supported by European funds through the Benidorm DTI + Seguro Plan. These funds open three new areas along with complementary actions to allow more of the site to be appreciated without risking the structural ruins. The current phase targets the fourth stage of the museumization project: the restoration of an old wall and the integration of new discoveries to supply a comprehensive understanding of the castellum. The location is highlighted as a scientific and academic reference for Roman times, particularly during the Sertorian Wars period.
Researchers highlight that the site stands as a key cultural heritage asset for Benidorm and the wider region. The ongoing work at Tossal de la Cala aims to illuminate daily life, military presence, and the broader Roman influence in this coastal frontier. The project’s progress promises to deepen public knowledge and support responsible stewardship of a vital piece of Roman-era history in the Mediterranean.