Archaeological excavations at a former fish market site in Barcelona have revealed an extraordinary discovery – the well-preserved remnants of a large medieval vessel dating back approximately 500-600 years. The boat, now named “Ciutadella I,” offers researchers a rare glimpse into medieval shipbuilding techniques and Barcelona’s maritime history.

Remarkable Discovery Beneath the City

The excavation site, designated for a new biomedicine and biodiversity center, has already yielded numerous historical treasures – from Spanish Civil War air-raid shelters to artifacts from the city’s 18th-century past. However, the recent discovery of this medieval vessel represents the most significant find to date.

Archaeologists uncovered the ruined stern section of a substantial boat that likely sank during a powerful storm in the 15th or 16th century, when this area of Barcelona remained submerged underwater. The excavated fragment measures an impressive 10 meters in length and 3 meters in width, featuring more than 30 curved wooden ribs that once formed the vessel’s structural framework.

“We anticipated potential marine archaeological finds at this location, given its proximity to the historic port and protective stone quay,” explained Santi Palacios, the lead archaeologist overseeing the project. “After two years of work, we’ve been fortunate enough to discover this remarkable vessel.”

Preservation Challenges and Historical Significance

The boat’s wooden components remain in an extremely fragile condition, necessitating specialized preservation techniques. Archaeologists have kept the timbers constantly moistened and covered with the protective sand in which they were discovered to prevent deterioration.

“Maintaining constant moisture is essential for preserving the wood’s condition,” noted Delia Eguiluz, a restoration specialist working on the project. “When we relocate the vessel, we’ll need to carefully dismantle it piece by piece to continue our research efforts.”

The team has begun meticulously mapping and labeling each component while collecting samples for further analysis. In subsequent phases, the wreck will be transferred to a specialized facility where it will undergo treatment with water-soluble wax to reinforce and preserve its structure.

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Mediterranean Maritime Heritage

What makes the Ciutadella I particularly valuable is its construction style, which exemplifies typical Mediterranean shipbuilding techniques from the mid-15th century. The vessel’s structure was secured using a combination of wooden and iron nails – a characteristic construction method found throughout Mediterranean and European vessels of that era.

This discovery follows the 2008 unearthing of another 15th-century vessel, known as Barceloneta I, which was found near a railway station in the city. Unlike the Mediterranean-style Ciutadella I, the Barceloneta I represented Cantabrian shipbuilding traditions.

“This represents a truly significant discovery for understanding naval history,” Palacios emphasized. “Having two perfectly documented examples of medieval shipbuilding techniques from Barcelona provides invaluable comparative data for researchers.”

The archaeological team believes that detailed analysis of the wood and resin used in the Ciutadella I will help determine its exact origin and contribute important knowledge about medieval maritime technology and trade routes.

The discovery not only enriches Barcelona’s archaeological heritage but also provides a tangible connection to the city’s maritime past, when this now-bustling urban area lay beneath the Mediterranean waters.