Hill fort of La Mesa de la Miranda, Iron Age archaeological site in Chamartín, Spain.
Hill fort of La Mesa de la Miranda is an Iron Age settlement with three defensive enclosures built on a strategic hilltop in northern Sierra de Ávila. The site also features an extensive necropolis with numerous burials that reveal much about the people who lived here.
The site was inhabited by the Vettones, a Celtic people, from the late 5th century BC until the Roman conquest ended their control. This period shows how long this community maintained their presence in the region before Roman forces took over.
The necropolis of La Osera contains 2230 cremation tombs with artifacts including fibulae, arrowheads, and javelins, indicating social hierarchies within the community.
The fort lies west of Ávila and can be reached via a dirt road branching from the AV-110 highway toward Chamartín. Bring sturdy shoes and water, especially during warmer months, since the terrain is open and exposed to the elements.
The graves in the attached necropolis display an intriguing arrangement that may reflect ancient beliefs about the afterlife. This spatial orientation offers a rare window into the spiritual ideas of the Celtic residents.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
