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Archaeological Discovery Reveals 15th and 16th Century Vessel Beneath Antique Fish Market in Barcelona, Preserved in Fragile Condition and With Rare Medieval Structure.
An shipwreck dated between the years 1400 and 1600 was found in an unexpected location: the underground of the antique fish market in Barcelona.
The discovery occurred between April 10 and 15, during renovations at the Mercat del Peix, and was announced by the Barcelona Institute of Culture (ICUB).
Ship Below the Market
The vessel, named Ciutadella I, was buried in what was once a maritime area.
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The location, now urban, was part of the city’s coastline in the past. The ICUB explained that changes in coastal dynamics over the centuries altered the original environment.
According to the institute, the construction of artificial docks starting in 1439 caused the disappearance of a protective sandbank called Tasca.
This led to the action of tides and storms rapidly advancing the beach, covering old structures like the ship itself.
Facebook/Barcelona Cultura
Structure Details
The ship is in fragile condition but preserves important parts. It measures 10 meters in length and nearly 3 meters in width.
Its main structure, a wooden skeleton, contains 30 curved frames.
Seven hull stakes were also located. The boards are held together by wooden dowels, a type of round nail, and there are two longitudinal pieces secured with iron nails.
The construction method identified is known as “skeleton construction,” common in medieval Mediterranean and widespread in Europe since the 15th century.
Organic Remains Nearby
In addition to the structure, organic remains were found around the wreck. Among them, hazelnut seeds and whole pine cones.
According to researchers, these elements may date back to the same period as the vessel, reinforcing the significance of the find.
The ICUB warned that the preservation state of the ship is very delicate.
Wood, being sensitive to exposure to air, begins to deteriorate quickly outside aquatic environments. To avoid further damage, part of the hull was covered with the original sand.
Preservation and Transport
Teams from the Barcelona Archaeology Service, in partnership with the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia, are committed to protecting the structure. 3D documentation work, marking of pieces, and preparation for safe transport are planned.
The vessel will be taken to a special facility, where the wood will undergo a desalination process. This procedure is essential to prevent degradation and ensure the structure remains intact.
Source of Historical Knowledge
The team’s goal is to preserve not only the physical material but also the archaeological value of the Ciutadella I. The shipwreck offers a unique opportunity to study the navigation and shipbuilding techniques of Barcelona in the 15th and 16th centuries.
According to the official statement, this discovery represents a rare window into the city’s maritime past. Analyzing the vessel may reveal important details about trade, naval engineering, and the way of life of the time.
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