Many people will have surely visited Banyoles to go for a walk, or ride a bicycle, around the lake or, indeed, go for a boat ride. But did you know that there are very interesting archaeological sites very close to Banyoles where you can find out more about the district's history? Sign up for the next visits.
THE NEOLITHIC SETTLEMENT OF LA DRAGAThe
Neolithic settlement of La Draga is located on the eastern edge of the lake on a peninsula, surrounded by water to the north and west. It is an exceptional settlement because it has been preserved in water. Over the years it has been possible to recover tools made of wood, baskets and ceramic items, amongst others. You can visit the reconstructed huts where workshops and other activities are held to reproduce life as it was in Neolithic times.
SERINYÀ PREHISTORIC CAVES PARKThe
Serinyà Prehistoric Caves Park comprises a series of unique sites for learning about life in the Stone Age. It is a unique location in Europe for learning about the evolution of Neanderthal man and modern man. It is located very close to the municipality of Serinyà. From Banyoles the C-66 towards Besalú leads you there.
THE ROMAN VILLA OF VILAUBAThe
Roman villa of Vilauba is located in a small valley some 3 km to the south of Banyoles. It was discovered in 1932 and today it is a site that can be visited. The villa was divided into two areas: one a residential space in the northern section, notable for the remains of a triclinium and some small thermal baths, and the other with structures related to the production of wine and olive oil, in the southern section.
BANYOLES ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUMBanyoles Archaeology Museum is in the centre of the town and has palaeontology, archaeology and numismatic collections, all of which have come from the various excavations that have been carried out in the Pla de l’Estany from the mid-19th century to the present day. Notable items amongst the collections include fossils of large animals, including one known as the jaw of Banyoles, and items from the Serinyà caves and the Neolithic settlement of La Draga.
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