Just a few minutes from Posadas de España Paterna, nestled among the pines and trails of the Bosque de la Vallesa, lies one of the most important archaeological sites in the Valencian Community: the Lloma de Betxí. This prehistoric settlement, dated between 1800 and 1300 BC, invites us to travel back in time to the Bronze Age, to discover how the first human communities in the Paterna area lived, worked and organised themselves.
A strategic location between farmland and drylands
The location of the Lloma de Betxí was no accident. Set in the heart of the Turia Natural Park, the elevated terrain and wide views offered strategic advantages for a community that relied directly on farming and herding. What now seems like a simple hill was once a vibrant hub of daily life, surrounded by fields and pastures.
Discoveries that bring us closer to the past
Although the first archaeological studies at Lloma de Betxí began in the 1980s, it wasn’t until 1984 that systematic excavations began to uncover its extraordinary heritage value. What stands out most is the remarkable state of preservation of many of its structures, which has allowed researchers to accurately reconstruct aspects of life in this settlement.
Excavations have uncovered rectangular dwellings, built with stone foundations and mud walls, as well as hearths and food storage areas. Decorative pottery featuring geometric motifs has been recovered, alongside a wide range of tools made of stone and bone—including knives, grindstones, awls and needles—reflecting a way of life based on agriculture, livestock, gathering and textile production.
A living heritage and educational space
The importance of Lloma de Betxí goes beyond material discoveries. Today, it is a key site for archaeological education in the region. Guided visits, workshops and historical reconstruction events have brought the Bronze Age closer to school groups, curious visitors and academic researchers alike. The site has also shown that even small-scale excavations can yield vital information to help us understand the cultural and historical heritage of Valencia.
Nature and culture in perfect harmony
Visiting Lloma de Betxí is not only an educational journey—it’s also a sensory one. The site is easily accessible on foot via various routes through the Bosque de la Vallesa, surrounded by Mediterranean flora such as pine trees and rosemary, and striking natural landscapes. It’s an ideal way to combine the beauty of nature with the thrill of discovering remnants of a millennia-old civilisation. When you reach the site, it becomes clear: you haven’t just walked through a forest—you’ve walked through thousands of years of history.
A perfect day out from Posadas de España Paterna
Staying at Posadas de España Paterna means enjoying comfort and a prime location, with easy access to culturally rich sites such as the Lloma de Betxí. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family outing or a solo excursion, this prehistoric treasure offers a unique, enriching and local experience.
Rediscover the value of the ancient, the essential and the authentic—because sometimes, the greatest treasures are right beneath our feet.