Les Rambles excavation uncovers medieval wall

Development works on the Santa Mònica sector of Les Rambles have revealed a nearly 45-meter stretch of a 14th century wall. 

The existence of the medieval wall was already documented, as explained by head of the Barcelona Archaeology Service Josep Pujades. This phase of excavation work, carried out by Barcelona's public utility company BIMSA and led by archaeologist Irene Cruz, began in mid-July with goals of fully documenting the structure and its purpose. 

Through manual and mechanical methods, the team has identified remains that confirm the wall functioned as part of a defensive system connected to a moat and was reinforced to protect against floods. On the inner side of the wall, they found the remains of a small donkey curiously surrounded by bronze needles. 

Also now uncovered at the site is a semicircular stone and mortar structure, likely part of an element built between 1774 and 1823 that marked the beginning of Les Rambles. 

These findings are the latest of many along the promenade, which provide archeological clues into centuries of Barcelona history. 

In the next two months, the team will begin documenting another 50-meter section of the wall. Once the documentation process is complete, Pujades said, the excavation sites will be covered again to allow pedestrian access.