Unique medieval urban ruins uncovered in the Catalan Pyrenees

Archeologists have discovered ruins from the 16^th-17^th Century in La Seu d’Urgell, a municipality in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Works on a biomass warehouse in La Seu d’Urgell uncovered the beginnings of the ruins, as presented on Monday. These have now been excavated to show a large urban settlement, measuring 170 square meters.

The site encompasses a cobbled square as well as an artisans’ quarter. Ceramics and parts of furniture have also been uncovered.

Archeologists believe that the area may have also been occupied prior to the Black Death epidemic in the 14^th Century.

Although there have been other medieval finds in the Catalan Pyrenees, such as in 2019 in the Àssua Valley, this discovery has been called “unique” by lead archeologist, Òscar Augè. This is due to its size and how well it has been conserved.

Importantly, this site establishes links between other ruins in the Pyrenees. The discovery demonstrates the existence of communication between La Seu d’Urgell and Andorra, a small Catalan speaking country in the Pyrenees.

The local government have already established plans for the future. Jordi Fàbrega, the mayor of La Seu d’Urgell, has said the site will be excavated further (projected to measure 700 square meters) to allow for visitors and to create an area to teach about local history.