In the heart of Barcelona, in the city’s modern hustle and bustle, a crucial fragment of its medieval history has come to light. During the renovation works on Fusteria Street, between Ample and de la Mercè streets, A team of archaeologists has excavated five medieval houses and part of them Voltes dels Encantsa historical space that shows what this district looked like between the 14th and 19th centuries.
These findings not only provide a unique vision of Barcelona’s urban development, but also shed light on the habitats, trade and customs of those who inhabited these areas centuries ago.
During the excavations, significant parts of the ground floors and cellars of the medieval houses were uncovered. In addition, a well-preserved section of sidewalk is the Voltes dels Encantsa structure that at the time Sant Sebastià Square with Fusteria and Ample streets, areas that are now part of the modern fabric of Barcelona.
One of the most outstanding findings is a 14th century ceramic pavementwhich remained hidden for centuries, as well as various medieval and post-medieval structures, including Wells, tanks and sanitary networkswhich allow us to imagine how the infrastructures in this urban area were organized.
Another of the most fascinating discoveries is the restoration of archaeological materials They cover a wide temporal spectrum, from medieval ceramics to decorative and architectural elements to metals and animal remains. One unique piece stands out: a Image of Saint Anthony of Paduaprobably from the 18th century, found on the sidewalk of one of the houses. This religious piece not only has historical and artistic value, but also provides clues to the devotional customs of the time.
In addition to the items found, Documentary research suggests that one of these houses may have housed one of the first documented museum collections on the peninsula.which adds an even more fascinating element to the story of this find. The dimensions of the structures vary between 17 and 40 square meterswhich is responsible for the diversity of housing in the region. Archaeologists have also identified sections of ancient routes Fusteria and Ample streetsThis helps to understand how trade and residential routes were designed in medieval Barcelona.
This discovery is linked to other important finds in the city, such as the remains of Font de l’Angelof similar chronology, found in the Plaza de Correos. This medieval fountain not only supplied water to the port, but also welcomed travelers arriving by sea and became a symbol of welcome for those coming to Barcelona. Using these findings, archaeologists are able to build a more comprehensive picture of how the city was occupied and changed over the centuries.
The excavation covers an area of 239 m²is led by the archaeologist Toni Fernandez Espinosa and has supervision over Archaeological Service Barcelona (ICUB) and the Archaeological and Paleontological Heritage Service of the Generalitat. The work team consists of an archaeological director, a technical archaeologist and five archaeological assistants of the company. Actium Patrimoni Cultural, SL.
This discovery in Barcelona joins a number of recent discoveries elsewhere in Europe where construction projects have uncovered ancient remains. In MalagaFor example, materials from the cathedral were found during an archaeological tasting before the installation of a crane in the cathedral Chalcolithicwith an age between 4500 and 5000 yearswhich provides new clues to the city’s origins. In the Czech Republicduring the construction of a road in Nupaky, remains of 7000 years oldwhich covers Neolithic and Iron Age structures and provides valuable information about the different phases of human settlement in the region.
These discoveries underline the Significance of archaeological interventions in urban projects and modern buildings. Thanks to them, fundamental aspects of our society can be restored, preserved and rediscovered. historical and cultural heritagethat would otherwise remain hidden under the concrete and asphalt of the city.
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