In the heart of Andalusia, between arid mountains and fertile plains, lies a site that reshapes our understanding of early human settlement. Long before cities as we know them existed, an organised, fortified and remarkably advanced community established one of the most important settlements of Iberian prehistory here. Discover the history of the oldest settlement in Andalusia and the entire country.
Where is Andalusia's oldest town?
Although no longer inhabited, Los Millares is considered the first major documented settlement in Andalusia, dating to the Copper Age between 3500 and 3100 BC.
At that time, early communities organised around metallurgy, trade and collective burial rituals. Its strategic location – protected by natural waterways and near essential resources such as water, fertile land and minerals – favoured its growth.
The settlement is notable for its advanced planning: multiple concentric walls, peripheral forts, and a large monumental necropolis reveal a clear social and familial structure.
What to see in Los Millares
The Los Millares archaeological site, in Santa Fe de Mondújar, Almería, offers a unique journey back in time to the Copper Age. Designed to showcase the life of this advanced community, visitors can explore:
- The large necropolis, with dozens of collective graves revealing the village’s social structure.
- The walled enclosures, made up of several concentric defensive lines surrounding the urban centre.
- The village remains, where houses and communal spaces can still be visited.
- The forts, scattered across the area, control access and protect the territory.
- The reception centre, featuring explanatory panels and a projection that contextualises daily life.
- A reconstruction of the village, with walls and cabins.
Living in Santa Fe de Mondújar
Santa Fe de Mondújar, the small town that now hosts this archaeological treasure, is a peaceful and welcoming place, nestled between the lush Andarax Valley and the characteristic arid landscapes of Almería. Its streets retain the charm of a traditional Andalusian village.
Life in the town offers a tranquil environment closely connected to nature, with a gentle daily rhythm. Surrounded by agricultural and mountainous landscapes, it provides a warm, inviting atmosphere and a strong sense of its historical roots.
The oldest towns in Spain
Spain is home to a rich historical heritage, with many towns and cities tracing their origins back to ancient times. Across the country, traces of prehistoric, Iberian, Celtic and Roman cultures can still be found. Some of the oldest include:
- Los Millares (Andalusia): one of the earliest documented urban settlements in Spain.
- Tartessos (Huelva): regarded by some researchers as the birthplace of one of the first cultures in the southwest peninsula.
- Atapuerca (Burgos): a key site for understanding human evolution, with evidence dating back hundreds of thousands of years.
- Numancia (Soria): a notable Celtiberian settlement with a long history pre-Romanisation.
- Cádiz: considered Spain’s oldest city by founding date, established by the Phoenicians in 1104 BC.
