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Under an Ancient Ice Cream Shop in Downtown Gdansk, Poland, Archaeologists Found a Tombstone with the Figure of a Medieval Knight. The Piece, Made of Limestone and Dating Back About 700 Years, May Reveal Important Details About the Medieval Warrior Elite in the Region
An archaeological discovery has drawn attention in Gdansk, Poland. During excavations conducted in the historic center of the city, experts found a rare tombstone depicting a medieval knight. The artifact, which was located under an ancient ice cream shop, may be over 700 years old.
According to the archaeologists from ArcheoScan, who are responsible for the excavation, the stone likely dates back to the 14th century.
They have not yet removed the tombstone from the ground, but believe that beneath it lie the remains of a high-ranking knight.
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A Rare Discovery in Downtown Gdansk
The excavation is being conducted in Śródmieście I, considered the most important archaeological site in the city.
Work began in 2023, and since then, several finds have been recorded. However, the knight’s tombstone is seen as one of the most fascinating thus far.
The artifact is made of limestone, measures about 1.5 meters in length, and features the figure of a man in chain mail armor.
He is depicted holding a sword and a shield. The framing of the image is arched, indicating that the tombstone may date from the late 13th century or early 14th century.
Archaeologist Sylwia Kurzyńska, from the ArcheoScan team, explained that the depiction of the knight, with the sword raised and the details of the armor, suggests that the deceased was likely someone of high command. “He was probably a commander or ruler,” she stated.
Knights and Castles: A Revealed Past
The region where the tombstone was found is known for housing historical ruins. Since the beginning of the excavations, 250 graves, six tombstones, and the foundations of an ancient wooden church built in 1140 have been located.
Kurzyńska explained that the site is popularly referred to as a “castle,” and that a structure of that kind indeed existed there in the 14th century.
Between 1335 and 1341, the Teutonic Knights — a German military order created during the Crusades — erected a brick castle in the area.
Gdansk, which was also called Danzig, was an important fortress during the Middle Ages. However, in 1454, the city’s own residents destroyed the castle built by the knights.
Next Steps and Preservation
The team plans to remove the tombstone next week. The expectation is that the remains will be well preserved.
If this is confirmed, the findings could reveal important details about life in medieval Gdansk.
Once removed, the piece will be taken to the Archaeological Museum of Gdansk for study and conservation. However, the specialists are in a hurry. “We are noticing that the sharp edges are starting to chip,” Kurzyńska warned.
It is still unknown who is buried there. But the discovery reinforces the historical value of the region and keeps alive the curiosity about the city’s medieval past.
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