Iberian Citadel
The Iberian Citadel of Calafell, also known as the Iberian settlement of Alorda Park or Les Toixoneres, is an archaeological site of the Iberian Cessetani tribe, which was excavated a little more than 30 years ago. It’s a fortified enclosure facing the sea founded in the 6th century BC which came to an end as a result of the impact of the Second Punic War.
The remarkable thing about this open-air archaeological museum is the fact that it has been the subject of architectural reconstruction in situ, where methodologies used in experimental archaeology have been applied, as well as serving as an excellent example of educational museography, based on projects carried out by the University of Barcelona.
Visitors can visit the houses that have been rebuilt in the Citadel, where replicas of objects from Iberian material culture are displayed. They can also climb the defensive towers using a reproduction of a Roman siege tower, making it easier for them to understand the past by means of museum elements.
Aside from its cultural value as a centre for experimental archaeology and learning resource, the Citadel is also the site of a historical re-enactment. Together with the group Ibercalafell, it holds the Iberian Land festival in July for the purpose of disseminating Iberian culture.
The Citadel is part of the Route of the Iberians, coordinated by the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia (MAC), and the international network EXARC.
From 1 April to 30 June:
- From Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00–14.00
- Saturday: 10.00–14.00 and 16.00–19.00
From 1 July to 15 September:
- From Monday to Sunday: 10.00–14.00 and 17.30–20.30
From 16 September to 31 March:
- September and October:
- From Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00–14.00
- Saturday: 10.00–14.00 and 16.00–18.00
- November, December and January:
- From Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00–14.00
- February and March:
- From Wednesday to Sunday: 10.00–14.00
- Saturday: 10.00–14.00 and 16.00–18.00
Closed:
- Every Monday and Tuesday from 16 September to 30 June
- 1 and 6 January
- 25 and 26 December
General admission: €4.00
Reduced admission: €2.50
Combined ticket Iberian Citadel, Castle and the Fishermen’s Guild (valid for one year, keeping the ticket): €8 general | €5 reduced.
Visitors who can prove that they belong to any of the categories below are entitled to reduced admission:
- Children aged 7–17
- Seniors over the age of 65
- Groups of over 15 people
- Students
- Carnet jove
- Unemployed
- Disabled
- Large families
- ‘El teu carnet és +’ card holders (you must present your library card from any of the following: Calafell Public Libraries, L’Arboç Municipal Library, Marta Mata Municipal Library of Cunit or Terra Baixa Public Library of Vendrell).
Free admission: (Please check groups entitled to free admission)
Visitors who can prove that they belong to any of the categories below are entitled to free admission:
- Children under the age of 7
- Residents registered in Calafell
- Teachers
- Accredited archaeologists
- EXARC members
- Associació Museòlegs de Catalunya members
- Amics del Patrimoni de Calafell members
- Club Super3
Guided tour: €2 per person on top of the admission fee
Family-friendly activities: €2 for equipment rental
You’ll find guided tours and other scheduled activities on the website’s agenda and our social media accounts.
We’ll also be more than happy to create bespoke group activities. If you’re a group of at least 14 people, and you wish to take a guided tour of the Iberian Citadel, Holy Cross Castle, Casa Barral, the Fishermen’s Guild or St Michael’s Church, for example, as well as some of the family workshops or trails that we offer, please send us an email to calafellhistoric@calafell.cat so we can deal with your request and you can check prices and availability.
You must make a booking at least 15 days in advance.
Last entry to all the heritage sites (Citadel, Castle, Fishermen’s Guild and Casa Barral Museum) is 30 minutes before closing time. When it’s less than 30 minutes before closing time, entry is no longer possible.
Smoking or bringing food and/or drinks to the sites is not allowed.
Pets are not allowed.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
