La Ciutadella Ibèrica Reopens to the Public in February 2026 after Storm La Dana Damages

La Ciutadella Ibèrica, the renowned Iron Age archaeological open-air museum in Calafell (Catalonia, Spain), has reopened to the public after a year of closure for maintenance and reconstruction. The restoration focused on the houses’ roofs, damaged by the heavy rains of October 2024, caused by the storm La Dana (high-altitude isolated depression). The work was carried out by experts in experimental archaeology alongside the museum staff, ensuring the historical accuracy of the reconstruction.

Old roofing removed and rebuilt using organic materials.

Located 60 kilometres south of Barcelona, La Ciutadella Ibèrica was excavated in the early 1980s, revealing a fortified coastal village built by the Iberian Cessetani people who inhabited the Camp de Tarragona and Penedès regions. Since 1992, the site has been a pioneering project in experimental archaeology, reconstructing Iron Age houses “in situ” based on archaeological records. The museum opened to the public in 1995 and became an early member of the Iberian Route (“La Ruta dels Ibers”), coordinated by the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia. In 2007, La Ciutadella joined EXARC, the international network of archaeological open-air museums, and has participated in EU projects like liveARCH and OpenArch.

Roof restoration in progress: old reeds being removed in preparation for rebuilding.

Roof restoration in progress: new reeds in place.

Managed by the municipality of Calafell, La Ciutadella offers educational programs for schools, families, and general visitors, including guided tours, workshops, and the annual re-enactment festival TERRA IBÈRICA, organized with the local group Ibercalafell. The festival brings the Iberian and other Ancient Mediterranean cultures to life through living history activities.

Thanks to funding from the Tarragona provincial government, the site now features new interpretive signage, enhancing the visitor experience.