Sant Antoni settlement: a stunning viewpoint
From the hilltop of this Iberian archaeological site near Calaceite, a mosaic of almond, olive and vine groves unfolds against the backdrop of the Ports de Beceite. A heritage enclave with views spanning twenty-five centuries of history.
The entrance to the Iberian settlement of Sant Antoni lies along the road from Calaceite to Cretas, 300 metres from Calaceite; it is signposted.
It is an ideal viewpoint for admiring agricultural landscapes: mosaics of almond, olive and vine groves whose earthy ochre tones alternate with forests of pine and holm oak.
These are landscapes that convey harmony between human activity and nature, all set against the backdrop of the Ports de Beceite. The scenic points of interest visible from the hilltop are: to the north, the nearby hermitage of Sant Cristobal beside Calaceite (from here there is a visual link with other Iberian settlements); to the east, Tossal Redo with the Barranco de la Vall de Rovira and the hermitage of Sant Pol (Arens de Lledo) in the background; to the south, Els Castellans behind the hermitage of Santa Ana; and to the west, Sant Cristobal de Mazaleon beside the river Matarraña.
The Iberian settlement of San Antonio de Calaceite had two phases of development: an early phase dating to the 5th and 4th centuries BC, located on the highest part of the hill, which was a settlement with a central layout; and a later phase dated to the 3rd century BC, the settlement's period of greatest splendour, which expanded the original core with new rows of dwellings arranged on terraces adapted to the terrain, surrounded by a wall, towers and other defensive structures. Particularly noteworthy is a monumental semicircular tower next to a reservoir. It was in 1903 that archaeological excavations began at this site, led by the renowned Calaceite-born archaeologist Juan Cabre.