This museum's gold displays remind us of Spain's ancient connections with the Mediterranean world and, above all, North Africa. They have perhaps the best collection of Phoenician gold from the 6th century BC. The Phoenicians were traders and colonisers all along North Africa and into southern Spain. Their craftsmanship in gold was revealed by the Aliseda 'treasure' unearthed in a small town in south-west Spain and housed here in Madrid. The articles, often showing African influence, include the gold diadem of an unknown ruler, a sword belt of sheet gold decorated with granulation, showing a fight between a man and a lion, along with highly decorated bracelets and earrings.

Museo Arqueologico Nacional
Calle Serrano 13
28001 Madrid
Spain

Tel.     +34 9 1 577 7912
Fax     +34 9 1 431 6840
Web    www.man.es
           
Open

Tuesday to Saturday 9.30 - 22.30
Sunday and public holidays 9.30 - 14.30
Closed Monday