Sunken medieval shipwreck discovered 600 years later on dry LAND by Barcelona builders
Mediterranean-style ship was uncovered in the former Mercat del Peix of Barcelona
A MEDIEVAL ship lost beneath the waves up to 600 years ago has been discovered on dry land by builders digging a car park in Barcelona.
The wreckage, which is about 33 feet long and about 10 feet wide, was found more than half a kilometre from the nearest coast.
It comprises 30 frames – curved timbers that formed the ship’s skeleton – and at least seven rows of planks from the hull.
They’re held together with wooden pegs, and the structure is consistent with the shipbuilding style of the medieval Mediterranean.
It’s thought that the ship was lost in a storm, before the city’s advancing shoreline left it stranded on dry land in the centuries that followed.
Maria Ustarroz Molina, spokeswoman for the Barcelona Institute of Culture, explained the impact of “historical changes to Barcelona’s coastline”.
Video courtesy of Maria Ustarroz
She said: “The ship was discovered during construction works for a new 7,000 m² parking facility on the site of the former Mercat del Peix in Barcelona.
“From 1439 onward, the construction of artificial quays altered the shoreline, causing the beach to advance and cover previously marine areas.
“The ship became buried under sediment over centuries.”
The surviving wreckage, which was excavated by Arqueòlegs.cat, is thought to be the stern of the ship, provisionally named Ciutadella I.
The vessel dates back to the 15th or 16th century, and given its size and construction was probably a cargo or merchant ship.
It was found at a depth more than five metres below sea level.
And despite the unusual location, its discovery was not unexpected.
“We anticipated that the archaeological remains of a ship might appear in this location,” said archaeologist Santi Palacios.
“It’s situated next to the port and the artificial stone pier that protected the port, and was a work area in the 15th and 16th centuries.
“Two years later we were fortunate enough to find it.”
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It’s the second medieval shipwreck found beneath the streets of Barcelona.
Another vessel, dubbed Barceloneta I, was found a short distance away in 2008, near the Estacion de Francia railway station.
Maria said: “It offers unique insight into medieval shipbuilding techniques and maritime activity in Barcelona.
“Along with Barceloneta I, it helps build a more complete picture of the city's role in historical trade routes.
“This discovery underscores how modern urban development can intersect with deep layers of historical heritage.
“It also shows the importance of archaeological oversight during major construction projects in historically rich cities like Barcelona.”
The challenge is now to preserve the wreckage, which has been called “very fragile”.
"The wood must be watered constantly to keep it in good condition,” said restorer Delia Eguiluz.
“When we move it, we'll have to remove it piece by piece to continue our research.”
Maria added: “The remains will be documented in 3D, sampled for analysis, and carefully extracted.
“Then, they will be transported in water-filled containers to specialised facilities for desalination and wax impregnation to ensure long-term preservation.
“While not definitively stated, the preservation steps suggest a plan to restore and possibly display the wreck.
“This is similar to what was done with Barceloneta I, now exhibited at the Barcelona's History Museum.”