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A Hidden Treasure Beneath Barcelona
Barcelona, a city celebrated for its Gothic architecture and vibrant seafront, has added another chapter to its rich history—this time buried beneath its streets. During an excavation at the site of the old Mercat del Peix (Fish Market), archaeologists uncovered the remarkably preserved remains of a large medieval ship, believed to be between 500 and 600 years old.
The ship, now named Ciutadella I, was found five meters below sea level, in an area that was once part of the sea. Experts believe it sank during a storm sometime in the late 15th or early 16th century, when the present-day coastal zone was still underwater.
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| Remains of Ciutadella I shipwreck, believed to have sunk in a 15th or 16th-century storm – Photo courtesy of Arqueòlegs.cat | Historic maritime archaeology in Barcelona |
Measuring the Past: A Glimpse into Medieval Shipbuilding
The Ciutadella I is a 10-meter-long and 3-meter-wide wooden vessel. It showcases over 30 curved ribs—carefully fitted together using wooden and iron nails—a characteristic hallmark of medieval Mediterranean ship design.
According to researchers, the craftsmanship suggests the vessel may have played a role in local trade or fishing, highlighting Barcelona’s former prominence as a key maritime hub in the region. The ship was preserved remarkably well thanks to centuries of being buried in wet sediment, but that same environment now poses a challenge. The wood is highly fragile and must be kept moist to prevent deterioration during the recovery and conservation process.
From Fish Market to Research Hub
Interestingly, the site of this discovery—once home to a bustling fish market—is undergoing redevelopment as a modern biomedicine and biodiversity research center. But before any construction could begin, archaeologists were called in to ensure nothing of historical value would be lost.
And lost it would have been—had it not been for the keen eyes and meticulous work of the archaeological team. Their excavation not only unearthed Ciutadella I but also builds upon earlier discoveries like the Barceloneta I, another medieval ship found in Barcelona in 2008.
Together, these shipwrecks are helping historians and archaeologists piece together the evolution of shipbuilding techniques, trade routes, and life along the Mediterranean coast during the Middle Ages.
What Lies Beneath: Barcelona’s Maritime Legacy
Barcelona’s seafaring past is often overshadowed by its art, architecture, and political history. Yet discoveries like Ciutadella I serve as a vivid reminder of the city’s intimate connection with the sea.
As preservation work begins, scholars are hopeful that Ciutadella I will yield new data about how medieval ships were constructed, what cargo they carried, and who might have sailed them. Every wooden beam, nail, and fragment tells a story—and the city is listening.
Final Thoughts
The Ciutadella I shipwreck is more than a historical artifact—it’s a time capsule of life from five centuries ago. As conservation continues and more details come to light, this remarkable discovery could reshape what we know about Barcelona's maritime roots.
🧭 What other secrets do you think lie buried beneath modern cities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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