Castellón Alto, Bronze Age archaeological site in Galera, Spain.
Castellón Alto is a Bronze Age settlement spread across three natural terraces on a hillside in southern Spain. The site contains residential areas at different levels, surrounded by defensive walls that protected the upper section of the community.
The site was home to the El Argar civilization, which thrived from around 1900 to 1600 BCE and pioneered advanced metalworking techniques. This culture shaped construction methods and craft traditions across the region for centuries.
The burial caves scattered across the site reveal how ancient people honored their dead and organized their community beliefs. Visitors walking through can observe the care taken in sealing each tomb, showing the importance of these practices to daily life.
The site is best explored on foot, with sturdy shoes recommended since the terraces are uneven and sometimes steep. The upper level is accessible but offers little shade, so bringing water and sun protection is wise.
The upper residents stored their water in an underground cistern, a remarkable engineering feat for the Bronze Age. This water system shows how the community solved practical challenges through thoughtful design and planning.
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