Medieval Shipwreck Uncovered in Barcelona

Archaeologists in Barcelona have discovered the wreck of a 15th- or 16th-century boat, Ciutadella I, at a former fish market site, The Guardian reported. The 10-meter-long vessel, found 5 meters underwater, features 30+ wooden ribs and iron nails, typical of Mediterranean shipbuilding. Experts believe it sank during a storm.

Fragile timbers are being preserved with moisture and sand, pending wax treatment for stabilization. The find parallels Barceloneta I (2008), offering new insights into medieval naval techniques.

“This expands our understanding of Barcelona’s maritime history,” said lead archaeologist Santi Palacios. The site, future home of a biomedicine center, also revealed Civil War and 18th-century artifacts.