Santa Clara Convent discovery reveals rare saponified brain

Archaeological excavations at the Santa Clara Convent in Pontevedra, Spain, have uncovered a rare saponified brain. Researchers state this is the first documented case of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula and one of only four known globally, with the other three located in Argentina, Chile, and Italy.

In addition to the brain, the site has yielded several significant finds within the church, including the remains of nuns, two minors, and a chaplain buried near the altar. The chaplain’s remains are notable for the preservation of his clothing, including his shoes and a chasuble.

Archaeologists also recovered over 3,000 items, such as ceramics dating from the late 14th to the 19th century, coins, glass, and lithic pieces. The saponified brain has been moved to the Centro de Investigación Interuniversitario das Paisaxes Atlánticas Culturais (CISPAC) for further study. Experts suggest the extraordinary preservation of soft tissue was made possible by highly stable and isolated environmental conditions within the convent.