L'Alcúdia, Archaeological site in Elche, Spain.
L'Alcúdia is an archaeological site near Elche that contains remains of houses, baths, and public buildings from Iberian and Roman times. The visible ruins show layers of occupation across different periods, while the Interpretation Centre displays painted pottery and artifacts found during excavations.
The location began as an Iberian settlement and later became the Roman colony of Ilici, which prospered until new populations shifted the region's center. The remains reflect how the settlement evolved across different periods of rule and occupation.
The Lady of Elche sculpture originated here and represents the artistic skill of the Iberian people who lived in this region. Visitors can view details about this work at the on-site center and understand its importance to Iberian civilization.
Visitors should expect uneven paths and partially exposed structures, so sturdy footwear is recommended for walking around the site. The Interpretation Centre near the entrance provides a helpful overview of the findings and explains the different layers of the excavations.
Beneath the visible structures lies a substantial Roman cistern that distributed water to residential areas through an extensive underground network. This hidden system reveals the engineering skill that supported the Roman settlement.
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