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Archaeological discovery reveals a 15th and 16th century vessel beneath the old fish market in Barcelona, preserved in a fragile state and with a rare medieval structure.
Um shipwreck dated between 1400 and 1600, it was found in an unexpected place: the basement of the old Barcelona fish market.
The discovery occurred between the 10th and 15th of April, during works at the Mercat del Peix, and was announced by the Barcelona Institute of Culture (ICUB).
Ship under the market
The vessel, called Ciutadella I, was buried in what was once a maritime space.
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The location, now urban, was part of the city's coastline in the past. ICUB explained that changes in coastal dynamics over the centuries have altered the original environment.
According to the institute, the construction of artificial piers from 1439 caused the disappearance of a protective sandbank called Tasca.
As a result, the action of the tides and storms caused the beach to advance rapidly, covering ancient structures, such as the ship itself.
Facebook/Barcelona Culture
Structure details
The ship is in a fragile state, but preserves important parts. It measures 10 meters long and almost 3 meters wide.
Its main structure, a wooden skeleton, contains 30 curved frames.
Seven hull stakes were also located. The planks are held together by wooden pegs, a type of round nail, and there are two longitudinal pieces fixed with iron nails.
The construction method identified is known as “skeleton construction”, common in the 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, including hazelnut seeds and whole pine cones.
According to researchers, these elements may have originated from the same period as the vessel, reinforcing the importance of the find.
The ICUB warned that the ship's state of preservation is very delicate.
Wood, being sensitive to exposure to air, begins to deteriorate rapidly outside of aquatic environments. To prevent further damage, part of the hull was covered with the original sand.
Preservation and transportation
Teams from the Barcelona Archaeology Service, in partnership with the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, are committed to protecting the structure. 3D documentation work, marking of parts 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 that 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 wreck offers a unique opportunity to study the navigation and shipbuilding techniques of 15th and 16th century Barcelona.
According to the official statement, this discovery represents a rare window into the city's maritime past. Analysis of the vessel could reveal important details about trade, naval engineering and the way of life of the time.
