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La Alcudia, on the edge of the city of Elche, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. The 10-hectare area can be seen without exaggeration as the birthplace of Elche.
Near the Vinalopo river, various archaeological excavations over a long period have yielded a range of interesting finds. The most famous is the 56-centimetre high bust of the Dama of Elche, which was found in 1897. This statue, carved from limestone, is now the proud figurehead of Elche. It dates from the 4th or 5th century BC. The find is one of many objects that have been found from the Iberian period. Walls, a large collection of painted ceramics and sculptures also date from that time.
More recent evidence of the Roman period includes baths, walls, beautiful mosaics and sculptures. One of the best preserved buildings is an early basilica. La Alcudia is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain. The evidence of this can be seen not only at the enormous site but also in the museum. No less than 3,000 objects are exhibited there. Those interested can take an imaginary journey through a period of more than 6,000 years. From the Neolithic period onwards, La Alcudia continued to have a great attraction for Iberians, Carthaginians, Romans, Christians and Romans. All these cultures left their mark, which can still be admired today.
Before walking around this historic site, it is a good idea to first watch a 20-minute video in which the long history is reviewed. Once outside, there are also short videos in English. These can be seen at the most important places, so that the visitor can learn more about the Iberian and Roman houses, a water reservoir, an Iberian temple, a Roman forum and the Christian basilica. According to archaeologists from the University of Alicante, the influence of La Alcudia during the Iberian period reached as far as Murcia and Albacete
To underline the importance of La Alcudia for the city of Elche, a theatre festival lasting around 10 days is held every year at the archaeological site. All performances have a classical theme, referring to the distant past.
