Beneath our feet lies a Barcelona frozen in time. This is Jaciment del Born. It is an archaeological site that offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past.
Jaciment del Born reveals life in Barcelona during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Here stood a city that resisted the siege of Philip V’s troops. This resistance lasted until September 11, 1714.
This archaeological site is exceptional. It stands out due to its size and its well-preserved state. The historical sequence it presents is remarkable. Historical records even allow us to name the families who once lived here.
Archaeological remains found in and around the Born market tell Barcelona’s story. This story spans from Roman times to the early 18th century. Life in this area ended abruptly due to the War of the Spanish Succession.
The Jaciment del Born contains parts of the 42 streets destroyed. They were demolished to build the Citadel and its security esplanade. Specifically, sections of up to nine different roads have been identified.
At Jaciment del Born, you can see the remains of 60 houses. These houses are spread across 11 different blocks. Some of these blocks are only partially visible. They extended beyond the old market’s boundaries.
The Rec Comtal is a key feature of the site. It shaped the western half’s urban layout. It was essential for the craft activities in this part of the Ribera neighborhood.
The archaeological materials recovered span a wide chronological range. They range from Roman times to the destruction of the Ribera neighborhood in the early 18th century.
Most of the materials are ceramics. Glass, iron, bronze, copper, lead, and bone objects have also been found. Stone elements, wood remains, and small amounts of fabric and leather are present. Ceramics provide important information. They help date different historical phases and internal changes in the houses. Large numbers of ceramic fragments were found in the Rec Comtal. They were also found in cesspools and sewers.
The oldest ceramic material is decorated in green and manganese. This includes mainly cutting plates and servers. During the second half of the 14th century, Valencian materials appeared. They are decorated in cobalt blue. They often feature geometric patterns.
In the 15th century, Valencian material decorated in cobalt blue and metallic reflections became abundant. Blue ceramics called “Barcelona blue” appeared in the mid-15th century. They developed throughout the 16th century. They include plates decorated in cobalt blue with plant motifs.
In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, plates influenced by the Renaissance appeared. Cobalt blue was combined with yellow. Many plates decorated with various borders were found during the first half of the 17th century.
Common motifs include houses, women, and plants. Since the 14th century, these pieces have been found with common materials. They are often glazed in green and brown. The collection includes kitchenware and storage items.
Most of the material is from the second half of the 17th century to 1717. It includes Catalan ceramics decorated in blue. Almost all are plates decorated in cobalt blue with a tin-white coating. Common motifs include fingerprints and wheels.
The latest materials reflect life in the neighborhood’s final moments. Along with the pieces described, Poblet series ceramics appear. Their production started in the last third of the 17th century. They ended in the early 18th century.
Significant amounts of imported material have been found, mainly from Italy. The glass material includes cup bases and bottles. The colors vary from transparent white to shades of green and blue. Some glass pieces came from Murano.
Other recovered materials include iron tools and farm implements. Personal items like scissors and rings are present. Artisanal tools such as compasses have been found. Military items include cannonballs and swords.
Jaciment del Born is more than ruins. It is a window into Barcelona’s soul. Take your time. Wander through these streets and imagine the lives that unfolded here.