MARQ — Museu Arqueològic Provincial d'Alacant
Provincial archaeology museum housed in the former San Juan de Dios hospital (1926-1929), designed by architect Juan Vidal Ramos. Its galleries run through Prehistory, Iberian, Roman and medieval cultures with strikingly modern audiovisual staging. In 2004 it was named European Museum of the Year, one of the continent's top honours.
The MARQ fills the former San Juan de Dios hospital, raised between 1926 and 1929 by architect Juan Vidal Ramos, the same man behind Casa Carbonell on the seafront. Today it is the leading archaeology museum of Alacant and one of the most awarded in Spain.
What to see
The route moves through Prehistory, the Iberian, Roman and medieval worlds, but what sets it apart is the staging: cases, projections and audiovisual recreations in place of the dusty old label. Further rooms are given over to field, urban and underwater archaeology.
Why it's worth it
In 2004 it was named European Museum of the Year, one of the continent's top honours, and it has set the standard among the city's museums ever since. Many of its finds come from nearby sites such as Lucentum, so it pays to see both on the same trip. If you're planning a day trip, the MARQ is one of the surest stops.
Frequently asked questions
How much is admission to the MARQ?
The museum is not free to enter; it's best to check prices and opening hours on the MARQ's official website.
What can you see at the MARQ?
Its galleries cover Prehistory, Iberian, Roman and medieval cultures with display cases, projections and very modern audiovisual recreations.
Why is the MARQ so acclaimed?
In 2004 it was named European Museum of the Year, and it occupies the former Hospital of San Juan de Dios (1926-1929) by Juan Vidal Ramos.
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