Archaeologists uncover misidentified remains in 700‑year‑old royal tombs in Barcelona

Researchers opened a series of medieval royal tombs at the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes in Barcelona, founded in 1326 by Queen Elisenda of Montcada, to mark its 700‑year anniversary. The multidisciplinary investigation revealed that many skeletal remains do not correspond to the individuals historically assigned to the tombs.

In the tomb of Artao de Fosès, instead of a single male skeleton, the team found the bones of two adult women and three children. Other graves, such as the tomb of Francesca Saporcella, yielded at least nine individuals from later periods, some bearing injuries from cold weapons, and even a fetal torso. Overall, 25 individuals were identified in eight tombs, accompanied by more than 200 archaeological samples, including burial gifts and preserved plants.

The wooden coffin that housed the queen’s remains dates to the medieval era and remains in excellent condition. Analysis showed Queen Elisenda was buried in simple clothing, with health indicators typical of old age.

"One of the most significant discoveries is that opening several tombs showed the historically assigned identity does not necessarily match the discovered remains," the project’s communications officer Enric Puga said.