Ullastret offers two distinct ways to explore its history: the Iberian city and the medieval town centre. The archaeological site and the monographic museum with its permanent exhibition are located on Puig de Sant Andreu; the old town has its own architectural landmarks. Within the Ullastret archaeological complex, only the Puig de Sant Andreu site is open to visitors. Focus the archaeological part of your stay on this site and the exhibition; the history of the town centre is a separate focus.
Iberian City and Site on the Hill
The Iberian city of Ullastret is the largest Iberian settlement discovered in Catalonia to date. Its wall is one of the best-preserved and most spectacular Iron Age walls in Catalonia. This offers two perspectives on the archaeological heritage: the scale of the settlement discovered and the state of preservation of its wall. The old town is protected as a cultural asset of national interest in the “historic ensemble” category. This protected status applies to the town centre and complements the archaeological focus with another aspect of local history.
What the Permanent Exhibition Shows
The permanent exhibition at the monographic museum on Puig de Sant Andreu presents objects from excavations at sites in the Ullastret archaeological complex. It covers coinage and trade, as well as beliefs, urban planning and architecture. Language and writing, agriculture, livestock farming and crafts are also included. Visitors who want to explore the site by theme might pay attention to how Iberian cities were laid out, the role of trade and coins, and the importance of writing and craftwork. The finds provide a concrete starting point; the themes raise questions about urban life, the economy and everyday life.
A 3D reconstruction in the permanent exhibition lets visitors explore the streets of Ullastret as they looked around 250 BC. It complements the finds with a spatial view of the city at the time. It is particularly relevant to the exhibition themes of urban planning and architecture: while the objects show individual finds, the reconstruction draws attention to the streets and the layout of the city. The museum thus presents two complementary ways of exploring the Iberian city: through material objects and through its spatial layout.
A Walk and the Medieval Town Centre
The Ruta Josep Pla is a walk across Puig de Sant Andreu that brings together archaeological, literary and natural heritage. A special edition starts at the Iberian site and explores the medieval village. This edition is offered periodically; check the dates before your trip if you want to plan for this specific option. While the route connects three dimensions of heritage, the special edition focuses in particular on the medieval village.
Ullastret preserves a Gothic covered loggia with wooden beams supported by two pointed arches. Its materials and construction make it a distinctive architectural landmark in the town centre. If you are interested in architectural forms, you can consider this example alongside the themes of urban planning and architecture in the permanent exhibition. The protected status applies to the old town as a whole; the loggia makes a single building and its construction tangible.
Recuit de drap: A Local Speciality
Recuit de drap is also part of Ullastret’s local character. This fresh cheese is made here by hand by master craftspeople, eaten as a dessert and ready to be tasted; it is suitable for sharing. Workshop visits end with a tasting. The speciality thus connects artisanal production with a distinctive culinary experience during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Ventalló, Ger, Pau, Aiguaviva, Mollet de Peralada, Cornellà Del Terri, Serra De Daró, Forallac
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
