Poblado íbero-romano de El Monastil

The Poblado íbero-romano de El Monastil is an archaeological site near Elda with remains from Iberian and Roman times. The complex spreads across the Torreta mountain ridge and is bordered by the Vinalopó River, with preserved structures from both periods visible.

The settlement began as Ad Ello mansio on a branch of the Via Augusta, serving as a military and religious center during Byzantine and Visigothic times. Later settlement during the Islamic period shows it remained important across centuries.

The remains show an old church from the 6th century with a horseshoe-shaped apse and a baptismal pool in its elevated section. This reflects how religion shaped the life of people who lived here.

Guided tours happen on selected Sundays throughout the year, except in July and August when temperatures are too high. The best time to visit is during cooler months when walking across the hilly terrain is more comfortable.

The remains show continuous human presence spanning three millennia, from the Bronze Age through the Islamic period. This makes the place a rare testament to the long history of the region.