La Covalta, Iberian archaeological site in Albaida, Valencia province, Spain

La Covalta is an Iberian oppidum on a plateau at 893 m on the eastern end of the Serra d'Agullent, in Albaida. Its wall, built of unworked medium-sized stones, runs 320 m along the east and south sides and is about 3 m wide; two gates, one west and one east, gave access. Over 83 rectangular rooms were excavated, with stone and adobe walls, lime-plastered interiors, reed-and-clay roofs and two oval rainwater cisterns.

The site was inhabited by Iberian people from the 6th century BCE until the 3rd century BCE, showing the development of this culture in the Valencia region. Scientific excavations began in the early 1900s under archaeologist Isidro Ballester, who first documented and studied the settlement.

The name La Covalta comes from a natural cave located below the settlement where underground water flows. Residents chose this hilltop to watch over their lands while staying connected to vital water sources and the valley below.

The site sits on a plateau at 893 m, reached by a steep climb; the easiest approach is from the Valleta d'Agres, since the north-western side is closed by escarpments. The excavated area lies on the summit, with the wall on the eastern and southern edges and two gates, one west and one east. Sturdy shoes and water are needed, as the route mixes shade and open sun.

The glass-paste head found at La Covalta is a small polychrome Punic piece, 37 mm tall, now kept at the Museu de Prehistòria de València together with a miniature votive plough. Two Phoenician Trayamar I amphorae and a double-spring fibula from the site pushed the start of its occupation back to the 6th century BCE.