The ongoing redevelopment of Barcelona’s iconic La Rambla has revealed a remarkable archaeological discovery: nearly 50 meters of a 14th-century medieval wall and a large pentagonal tower. The finding offers fresh insights into the city’s historical defenses, daily life, and the evolution of one of its most emblematic streets.
The wall section, located near the Santa Mònica area, measures 2.9 meters in width, with stones bound by lime mortar — a reinforcement technique against flooding. Archaeologists confirmed that the structure formed part of a defensive frontier for medieval Barcelona before the construction of the Raval wall later that century.
The excavation also uncovered a pentagonal tower measuring 8 by 4 meters, adding to the understanding of the city’s military infrastructure.
At 3.5 meters depth, researchers identified remnants of ancient floods: layers of earth, stones, and ceramics, confirming the existence of a moat alongside the wall. Inside the city side, excavations exposed remains dating up to the 16th century, providing glimpses of life in medieval and early modern Barcelona.
Among the most surprising finds was the burial of a small donkey surrounded by dozens of bronze needles, a discovery that raises questions about ritual or symbolic practices.
Archaeologists also unearthed a large semicircular stone and mortar structure, about 3.5 meters long, corresponding to maps of La Rambla’s first urban development at the turn of the 19th century. This element likely marked the starting point of the promenade, built sometime between 1774 and 1823.
With works continuing, experts estimate that up to 100 meters of medieval wall could be revealed in phases, reaffirming the historic importance of this short-lived but significant defence system.
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