Medieval treasure trove found under Barcelona street during repairs

Construction work in the heart of Barcelona has unearthed a significant piece of the city's medieval past. During redevelopment on Fusteria Street, archaeologists discovered five medieval houses and a section of the historic Voltes dels Encants.

The excavation revealed well-preserved lower floors and basements of the medieval dwellings, along with a notable stretch of the Voltes dels Encants pavement. This structure once connected squares and streets that are now part of modern Barcelona. The findings provide a unique glimpse into the urban development and the living conditions of the city's inhabitants between the 14th and 19th centuries.

Among the most striking discoveries is intact 14th-century ceramic flooring found within one of the houses. Archaeologists also uncovered various medieval and post-medieval structures, including wells, storage pits, and sanitation systems, illustrating the infrastructure of the time. Additionally, a 18th-century image of Saint Anthony of Padua was recovered from the pavement, offering clues about the devotional practices of the era.

Documentary research suggests one of the houses might have contained one of the earliest documented museum collections on the Iberian Peninsula. The discovered structures range from 17 to 40 square meters. This significant find is being linked to other important medieval discoveries in Barcelona, such as the Font de l’Àngel, highlighting the city's rich historical layers.