1. A New Chapter Opens
On 10 October 2024 the Dénia Archaeological Museum (MAD) inaugurated its brand-new home in the Marquesa Valero de Palma House, Carrer Cavallers 3, after almost four decades atop the castle. The move is more than a change of address: the exhibition has been reimagined around the theme “Una ciutat de mar estant” (“A city born of the sea”), celebrating Dénia’s enduring bond with Mediterranean navigation. Visitors now enjoy immersive audiovisuals, AI-driven historical recreations and trilingual texts that make the experience both accessible and absorbing.
2. Four Galleries, One History
| Period | Iconic Piece | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Iberian | Attic pottery and Greek coins from Montgó | Proof of the region’s earliest Mediterranean trade links. |
| Roman – Dianium | Mercury balsamary (2nd c. BC) | Evokes the boom of the Roman port and its wine-export network. |
| Islamic – Daniya | Large collection of Eastern bronzes (11th–12th c.) | The most varied set on the peninsula, illustrating taifa naval power. |
| Late-Medieval / Early-Modern | Charger showing an Andalusi ship & “green-and-manganese” ware | Charts the Christian transition and flourishing Renaissance commerce. |
3. The Visitor Experience
- Interactivity: touch-screens with maritime routes and 3-D city reconstructions.
- Universal access: step-free circuits and labels in Valencian, Spanish and English.
- Free guided tours: every Saturday at 11:30 am, no booking required.
4. Practical Information for 2025
Opening hours
- October – February: 10:00-14:00 & 16:00-19:00
- March – May: 10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00
- June – September: 10:00-13:00 & 17:00-21:00
- Sundays & public holidays: 09:00-15:00
Closed : 1 Jan, 19 Mar, 1 May, 25 Dec.
Admission: free.
Getting there: five-minute walk from Plaça de la Constitució. Pair the visit with the castle ascent (separate ticket) for panoramic harbour views.
Contact: [email protected] | +34 966 420 260
5. Tips to Make the Most of It
- Beat the crowds: arrive at opening time for a cool, quiet tour.
- Selfie with history: the Islamic-port model is perfect for your stories.
- Local flavours: afterwards head to the Market Hall or Loreto Street for red prawns and classic rice dishes.
- Family-friendly: “virtual archaeologist” tablets keep kids entertained while they learn.
- Fallas extras (15-18 March): the museum adds themed tours and workshops—arrive 15 min early.
