Centuries-Old Shipwreck Unearthed in Unexpected Barcelona Location: A Former Fish Market

A remarkable discovery has shaken the historical foundations of Barcelona, revealing a centuries-old shipwreck nestled within the confines of a former fish market. The Barcelona Institute of Culture (ICUB) announced the unearthing of the decaying vessel, dubbed "Ciutadella I," at the site of the old Mercat del Peix – a name that literally translates to "fish market" – in the heart of the Catalan capital. The find, made during construction work between April 10 and April 15, has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological and historical communities, offering a unique glimpse into Barcelona’s rich maritime past.

The ship, estimated to date back to the 15th or 16th centuries, was found unexpectedly during routine construction activities. Its presence in such an unusual location underscores the dramatic changes that have shaped Barcelona’s coastline over the centuries. The ICUB statement explained that the coastline’s dynamics were significantly altered beginning in 1439, with the construction of the city’s first artificial docks. This development led to the disappearance of the Tasca, a sandbar that had historically provided protection to the city. The combined effects of coastal drift, the mouth of the Besòs River, and frequent storms contributed to a rapid advancement of the beach, gradually burying ancient marine spaces, including the final resting place of Ciutadella I.

The ship’s remains offer a fascinating window into shipbuilding techniques of the late medieval period. The ICUB detailed that the main structure, a "skeleton" of approximately 32 feet in length and nearly 10 feet in width, is composed of 30 curved wooden frames. The discovery also included at least seven stakes of the hull. A notable feature of the ship’s construction is the use of circular-section wooden pegs, a traditional form of wooden nail, to secure the planks to the frames. Additionally, two longitudinal pieces – palmellars or saws – fastened with iron nails, have been preserved, providing further insight into the vessel’s design and construction.

The "skeleton construction" method employed in Ciutadella I was a prevalent practice in the medieval Mediterranean region, gradually spreading throughout Europe from the mid-15th century onwards. This discovery serves as a tangible example of the shipbuilding techniques common during that era.

Researchers are currently engaged in the painstaking task of analyzing organic remains unearthed near the shipwreck. These remains, which include hazelnut seeds and whole pine cones, may hold a chronological connection to the vessel itself. The ICUB, however, emphasized that the ship’s remains are currently in a "very fragile state of preservation."

The survival of the shipwreck is being hailed as a remarkable stroke of luck, given the natural vulnerability of wood to deterioration. While wood was a common material in historical shipbuilding, it tends to preserve only under very specific conditions, such as in aquatic environments. When exposed to air, wood decomposes rapidly. To mitigate further degradation, the waterlogged wood has been partially covered with the original sand that surrounded it, helping to maintain its moisture content and prevent drying out.

The Archaeology Service of Barcelona, in collaboration with the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia – Centre for Underwater Archaeology of Catalonia (CASC) – is meticulously working to ensure the thorough documentation and preservation of the structure. The preservation plan includes a comprehensive array of activities, such as 3D documentation, meticulous marking, careful sampling, and preparations for transporting the ship in water-filled containers.

The ultimate destination for the shipwreck is a specialized facility where its wood will undergo desalination treatment, a crucial step in its long-term preservation. The desalination process is essential not only to maintain the ship’s physical structure but also to safeguard its archaeological value. The ICUB emphasized that Ciutadella I represents a unique source of knowledge about the navigation and shipbuilding techniques employed in 15th and 16th century Barcelona.

The discovery of Ciutadella I in a former fish market serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of coastal environments and the enduring legacy of maritime history. The find promises to enrich our understanding of Barcelona’s past, offering a tangible link to the city’s shipbuilding heritage and its vibrant connection to the sea. The ongoing preservation efforts underscore the commitment to safeguarding this invaluable piece of history for future generations. The tale of Ciutadella I, once lost to time, is now being carefully pieced together, revealing a captivating narrative of maritime life in medieval Barcelona.