Cannonballs and 1714 siege remains discovered under Barcelona's Born district

Sewage works in the Ribera neighborhood reveal nine historic buildings and projectiles from the War of the Spanish Succession.

Generic image of an urban archaeological excavation showing ancient wall remains and a cannonball.
IA

Generic image of an urban archaeological excavation showing ancient wall remains and a cannonball.

The Barcelona City Council has unearthed four cannonballs and the remains of nine buildings dating from the 16th to 18th centuries during sewage system upgrades in the Born area.

The excavation on Antic de Sant Joan street revealed a section of the former Caldes street. This commercial hub was destroyed after the 1714 siege to make way for the Ciutadella fortress, as ordered by King Philip V.

"We have documented cannonballs and the damage to houses, so we can confirm that the bombings reached this point."

Anna Bordas · Lead Archaeologist
Archaeologists from the firm Àtics found everyday items such as coins, rings, and clay pipes, typical of the taverns that once served the local fishing community. The site will be studied until late April before being covered again to protect the heritage.