OLÈRDOLA

Location: Olèrdola, Alt Penedès, Catalonia (Spain) — 41.3040 N, 1.7095 E

Dating: 8th-1st centuries BC

Characteristics: The ancient site was an Iberian hilltop fort and later Roman settlement. Earlier walls use large rectangular stones characteristic of Iberian Iron Age defensive masonry. The site is characterized by a large polygonal wall with square towers and numerous features carved into the plateau’s bedrock (burials, a massive cistern, alcoves, etc.). The site is also one of the only polygonal walls in western Europe with stone nubs.

Polygonal classification: Similar to Lugli Type IV but considered Iberian Iron Age

Attribution: The site is most commonly attributed to local Iberian peoples with later Roman modifications.

Specific points to see:

• Olèrdola Archaeological Site – exterior polygonal wall and towers, Roman cistern, church and necropolis of Sant Miquel, Castell d’Olerdola