Sagunto reclaims its maritime past with new 'Sagunt i la Mar' museum
After years of EU-funded restoration, the Grau Vell (historic port area) opens a five-room museum tracing the city's seafaring history from the Iberian era to the present day.
An 18th-century warehouse inside the Grau Vell fortified complex has been transformed into a cultural museum. Its five themed rooms guide visitors through Iberian seafaring traditions, the 20th-century industrial port of Puerto de Sagunto (coastal district), the Arse-Saguntum archaeological site, the protected Marjal dels Moros wetlands, and the fort's own restoration story. The adjacent fort dates to the 15th century, first recorded in 1459 under King Juan II of Castile, and sits within a site showing twelve centuries of uninterrupted occupation, documented by archaeologist Carmen Aranegui from the Universitat de València. The Grau Vell holds the highest heritage protection status in Spain (BIC, Cultural Asset of National Interest).
Mayor Darío Moreno and Heritage Councillor Natalia Antonino attended the opening ceremony. The exhibition design was carried out by Reinadecorazones Cultura de Proyectos SL under a municipal contract. Admission is free. Hours are 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-20:00, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and public holidays; Sunday mornings only. Free guided tours run Thursday to Monday at 10:30, with an afternoon session on Fridays and Saturdays as well. European Union NextGenerationEU funds covered the project costs, according to Sagunto City Council.