Poblat de Sant Josep
Explore the village of Sant Josep with over 2,500 years of history beneath your feet
Strategically located on the mountain overlooking the Belcaire River valley, the village of Sant Josep is one of the most fascinating archaeological legacies of the Valencian Community. With a long history of occupation dating back to the Early Iron Age, this settlement allows visitors to trace, through its preserved remains, the evolution of the different cultures that have inhabited it, especially during its peak in the Iberian period, not to mention the importance of the Roman occupation as well as the Andalusian farmstead.
Strolling through its streets, you can admire sections of the wall, the defensive towers, the houses, and even the warehouses that have withstood the test of time. You’ll discover details that will bring you closer to the daily lives of the people who lived in the village: what activities they carried out, what they cooked, and how they interacted. An exceptional site where every stone tells the story of the cultures that, for more than two thousand years, chose the Muntanyeta de Sant Josep to make their home.
The wall was built with masonry, a technique using uneven, fitted stones. Although only 20% of the settlement has been excavated so far, this site is a magnificent example of Iberian urban planning, preserving much of its acropolis, a large part of the wall (more than 40 m), three square towers, streets, stairs, houses and other remains of great historical importance.
How to get there
There are two main routes to reach the archaeological site on foot, which is located next to the Hermitage of the Holy Family:
- Direct stair access: located next to the entrance of the Caves of Sant Josep, on the Passeig de les Grutes. It is a staircase of about 100 steps that leads directly up to the site.
- Starting from the main parking area of the Sant Josep site, walk along Carrer del Tenis, turn left onto Carrer de la Ermita, and continue along the pedestrian path on the CV-23 towards Alfondeguilla until you reach the Plaça de la Ermita de la Sagrada Familia, where the entrance to the archaeological site is located. The walk is approximately 450 meters.
Opening hours and tours
Although there is a freely accessible viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the site, to ensure the preservation of the structures and enhance the visitor experience, access to the interior of the archaeological site is regulated through guided tours.
Guided tours
Morning tours are conducted through the interior streets of the archaeological site where specialized guides explain the history of the settlement.
- Children under 3 years old: free admission
- From 3 to 12 years old: €3/person
- From 13 years old: €5/person
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Tourist Info or at the ticket office of the Caves of Sant Josep, although it is advisable to check availability and book tickets in advance on the official website.
Group visits
Specialized group tours, educational activities for primary and secondary school students, and family activities are also available. To arrange special group tours, please contact the Tourist Information Office of Vall d’Uixó. vallduixo@touristinfo.net
Special monthly visit: Rock Art and Village of Sant Josep
Once a month, we offer a guided tour in collaboration with the Valltorta Museum to discover the secrets of the Sant Josep Natural Area. This two-hour activity, priced at €5 (€3 for children aged 3-12), takes you on a journey through time. It begins at the Coves de Sant Josep dock—no boat trip included—to explore Paleolithic paintings and engravings dating back 17,000 years. The tour culminates with a visit to the Sant Josep Village to learn about the history of this fascinating archaeological site.
The available dates for this experience can be checked directly on the Sant Josep Village ticket sales website.
