The Cerro de la Fuente archaeological site of Archivel in Caravaca de la Cruz

Remains of buildings from up to 5,000 years ago in the coumtryside west of Caravaca

The popular village of Archivel, a few kilometres west of the Holy City of Caravaca de la Cruz, is not only a favourite destination for rural tourism but also an area rich in archaeological heritage, and among the highlights are the remains of Roman and Argaric structures on the hill of Cerro de la Fuente (or Cerro de las Fuentes).

The hill is barely a kilometre north of the village and is accessed along Calle Sevilla. Numerous archaeological excavations have been carried out there, with the findings including evidence of human occupation as long ago as the third millennium BC and from the Argaric culture a few hundred years later.

A Roman castle was also built here and is signalled by a sculpture, and the site is dominated by a large statue of Christ with his arms outstretched Rio de Janeiro-style!

The top of the hill reaches an altitude of around 1,000 metres above sea level, affording superb views over the village and the surrounding countryside.

Location: click for map

Further information about Caravaca is available from the tourist office (Plaza de España, 7, telephone 968 702424, email turismo@caravacadelacruz.es).

Or for more local information, including the Holy Jubilee Year as well as local news and what’s on, go to the home page of Caravaca Today.