Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía visited the archaeological site of Empúries in Girona on Wednesday, joining young participants in the Fundación Princesa de Girona’s programs and three recipients of the 2026 awards. The group included filmmaker Gemma Blasco, recognised in the Arts category; social entrepreneur Hatim Azahri, in the Social category; and biotechnologist Patricia Aymà, in Business Creation. The tour followed the Princess of Girona Awards ceremony a day earlier at Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu, bringing the foundation’s youth initiatives into a setting shaped by active research and cultural heritage.
Based in L’Escala on the coast of Girona, Empúries is the only site on the Iberian Peninsula where the remains of Greek and Roman cities coexist. The Greek settlement, known as Emporion, was established in the early sixth century BC; the Roman settlement developed after Rome arrived in the region in the second century BC. Its position on the former Gulf of Roses made the site an impressive point of contact for Mediterranean trade and maritime routes. The Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya (MAC) oversees the site, where archaeological research continues alongside excavation, conservation and public interpretation.
During the visit, Princess Leonor greeted young archaeologists working on current excavations. Mònica Borrell, director of MAC Empúries, and technical director Marta Santos guided the group, explaining the site’s archaeological significance and ongoing work. Excavations have uncovered public buildings, homes and religious spaces, as well as streets and infrastructure across the Greek and Roman urban areas. These findings make Empúries a basic location for studying cultural contact and Roman expansion in the Iberian Peninsula.
Nearly 20 young people from Girona, Barcelona and Lleida joined the tour. The princesses also met students taking part in the International Archaeology Course of Empúries, which reached its 80th edition in 2026. The field-based course links excavation practice with the study of the site’s Greek and Roman remains, giving students and early-career researchers hands-on experience investigating architecture, material culture and ancient maritime networks. At the museum, participants learned about major archaeological discoveries and current scientific projects, including research into ancient port areas.
The Fundación Princesa de Girona runs programs for young people, including initiatives focused on education and entrepreneurship, as well as employability and social development. Its awards recognise emerging achievement in fields such as the arts and social action, alongside business creation. The Empúries visit brought that youth agenda together with a public archaeological institution and the work of students and researchers pursuing careers in science and heritage.
After the guided tour, the group attended a meeting led by King Felipe VI for the presentation of the Generational Development Goals, developed by the foundation’s Youth Advisory Council. Before the session began, the King commented on the family’s enjoyment of Spain’s recent football victory over France, which came just hours after the awards gala. A video later showed the royal family celebrating Spain’s advance to the World Cup final. The King also said he had kept his promise not to attend any matches before the final. Asked about travelling to New York for the final, he replied: “We’re working on it.”
The Roman city once covered about 22.5 hectares, while the Greek city spanned roughly four. Museum archaeologist Elisa Hernández said the Greek city is almost fully excavated, though some areas are being re-examined with updated techniques. So far, only about 20% of the Roman city has been uncovered. The continuing work reflects Empúries’ dual role as a heritage destination and an active research and education centre.
Empúries attracts around 150,000 visitors each year and has hosted events beyond archaeology, including the 2018 wedding of Kimbal Musk, brother of Elon Musk. Excavations and research involving students from across Europe keep the site active as a historical landmark and a centre for academic study.
While the royal visit drew attention to Empúries’ heritage, other regions in Spain have recently faced different challenges. In Almería, emergency teams have been conducting extensive searches in Los Gallardos after a devastating wildfire, inspecting hundreds of homes while continuing efforts to locate missing residents. More details on these operations can be found in this report on the Los Gallardos fire response.
Empúries’ Greek and Roman legacy, together with its ongoing excavations and educational programs, makes it a focal point for historical preservation and youth engagement in Spain. The royal family’s visit connected young participants with the archaeological work and cultural resources that continue to shape understanding of the country’s past.
