In the middle of an olive-covered plain in Les Garrigues lies one of the most surprising archaeological sites in Catalonia: the Els Vilars fortress in Arbeca. Thick walls, towers, a water-filled moat and a field of stones driven into the ground to slow down attackers. All of it more than 2,500 years old.
It’s a perfect day trip from Cal Xolva, in Llardecans, if you love history or want a different outing with children.
An Iron Age fortress
Els Vilars was inhabited between 775 and 300 BC, in five different phases. The site was identified in 1974 and has been excavated since 1985 by the University of Lleida’s prehistory research group. In 1998 it was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest.
What you’ll see
- The wall: about 172 metres around, made up of four parallel walls more than 5 metres wide in total.
- The towers: fourteen in all, most from the early Iron Age.
- The field of upright stones: slabs almost a metre tall set in the ground in front of the wall to hinder attacks.
- The moat: a ditch between 13 and 25 metres wide that filled with water.
- The houses and the cistern: rectangular dwellings arranged around the hearth, and a large cistern.
Archaeologists have found rotary mills here that many specialists consider among the first in Europe. Around 300 BC the fortress was abandoned, apparently peacefully and for reasons that are still being studied.
Tips for your visit
- Check opening times and guided tours beforehand; they are usually at weekends and on specific dates.
- There’s little shade: in summer, go early in the morning.
- With children, the explanations of how the Iberians defended themselves are usually a big hit.
How to combine it with a getaway to Llardecans
Spend a morning of history at Els Vilars, have lunch in Les Garrigues and in the afternoon stroll among olive trees and dry-stone huts. At night, dinner in the garden at Cal Xolva. If it’s the season, don’t forget to buy some local new olive oil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the visit take?
Between an hour and an hour and a half, depending on whether you take the guided tour.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It’s an open space that’s easy to understand, ideal for explaining history in a visual way.
Come to Cal Xolva. Take a look at our rooms and spaces, check our rates and ask us about availability.
