Castellet de Banyoles
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 Main entrance to the city | |
  Castellet de Banyoles Shown within Catalonia | |
 Interactive map of Castellet de Banyoles | |
| Location | Tivissa, Province of Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°03′41″N 0°40′05″E / 41.06139°N 0.66806°E |
| Type | Settlement |
| Length | 300 m (980 ft) |
| Width | 235 m (771 ft) |
| Area | 4 to 5 ha (12 acres) |
| History | |
| Founded | 3rd century BC |
| Abandoned | c. 195 BC |
| Cultures | Iberians |
| Associated with | Ilercavoni |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | Opened to public |
| Website | Ruta dels Ibers |
| Official name | Poblado Ibérico del Castellet de Banyoles |
| Designated | 27 October 1978 |
| Reference no. | RI-55-0000088 |
The Castellet de Banyoles is an ancient Iberian city and archaeological site dating from the 3rd century BC, located in the modern town of Tivissa, near the River Ebro in the Ribera d'Ebre region of Catalonia. The site is mainly known for its pentagonal towers flanking the entrance, unique among the protohistoric fortifications of the Iberian Peninsula and the treasure that was found in 1927, composed of a set of silver and gold decorated vessels.[1] Built around the first half of the 4th century BC, its life came quickly to an end in a generalised destruction, produced by a Roman siege, possibly during the Revolts of Indibil and Mandonius (206-205 BC) or, most likely, during the Campaign of Cato the Elder (195 BC).[2] Evidences of the Roman camp have been identified outside the walled enclosure.[3]
Another Spanish Property of Cultural Interest with the same name is located in the site, composed by the ruins of a medieval castle facing the left margin of the river.