Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Historic Shipwreck Discovered Beneath Barcelona’s Fish Market
A significant archaeological find has emerged in Barcelona, Spain where a centuries-old shipwreck has been unearthed. The discovery took place in a location you might least expect—under the former Mercat del Peix, known as the fish market.
The Barcelona Institute of Culture, known as ICUB, reported the shipwreck was located between April 10 and April 15. Officials have identified this remarkable find as the vessel Ciutadella I.
Details About the Discovery
Construction activities led to this significant maritime discovery, which experts date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. This shipwreck reflects an important chapter in Barcelona’s rich maritime history, according to a statement from ICUB.
“Starting in 1439, with the construction of the first artificial docks, the dynamics of the coastline were altered,” the organization explained. “The sandbar known as the Tasca, which had protected the city for centuries, disappeared.”
ICUB noted the geographical changes contributed to a rapid advance of the beach, which subsequently covered ancient maritime spaces.
Insights into Ship Construction
The ship’s remaining structure, described as a skeleton, measures around 32 feet in length and nearly 10 feet in width. Experts reported that it consists of 30 curved wooden frames, hinting at complex construction techniques typical of the era.
“At least seven stakes of the hull were also found,” ICUB mentioned in their findings. “These wooden planks were fastened to the frames with circular-section wooden pegs, a traditional fastening method used during shipbuilding.”
Additionally, researchers noted the preservation of two longitudinal pieces, referred to as palmellars or saws, which were fixed with iron nails. This system is recognized as skeleton construction, a technique commonly utilized in Mediterranean shipbuilding from the mid-15th century onwards.
Ongoing Research and Preservation Efforts
Archaeologists continue to study organic remains discovered near the shipwreck site, which includes hazelnut seeds and whole pine cones. These remains could potentially offer further context to the vessel’s historical timeline.
However, the ICUB warns that the remains of the ship are currently in a fragile state. “The survival of the ship is considered a miracle due to the general tendency of wood to deteriorate,” the agency emphasized.
While wood is a prevalent material in historical shipbuilding, it usually only survives in specific environments, such as underwater. Once exposed to air, wood deteriorates rapidly.
Strategies for Preservation
To combat preservation challenges, archaeologists have partially covered the waterlogged wood with the original sand that once encased it. This measure aims to protect the ship from drying out and degrading further.
The Archaeology Service of Barcelona, in collaboration with the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia and the Centre for Underwater Archaeology of Catalonia, is spearheading the documentation and preservation efforts for this important artifact.
Plans are already underway for future work, which includes 3D documentation, detailed marking, sampling, and preparing the ship for transport in water-filled containers.
Looking Ahead
The shipwreck will ultimately be moved to a facility where its wood will undergo desalination, an essential process for preservation. ICUB highlights that this treatment is vital not only for the ship’s structural integrity but also for its archaeological significance.
This shipwreck serves as a unique resource, providing valuable insights into navigation and shipbuilding practices prevalent in 15th and 16th century Barcelona. As research continues, we can expect to learn more about the maritime heritage that has shaped the Catalan region.
