The research, focusing on tombs from the monastery's foundational period in Barcelona, has allowed for the exhumation and analysis of remains attributed to Elisenda de Montcada, born in Aitona in 1292. The findings suggest an austere burial, possibly with monastic attire, challenging the notion of luxury associated with her royal status.
Genetic analyses indicate the queen was around seventy years old at her death and suffered from a bone condition known as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, which causes ossification of the spine and limits mobility.
Contrary to previous belief, the sarcophagus does not cross the wall between the church and the cloister but consists of two sepulchral vessels separated by a small wall. This arrangement allows for a dual representation of the monarch: as a sovereign next to the church and as a penitent next to the cloister.
“"It's a qualitative leap, because until now we had only been able to conduct studies based on the testimonies we have preserved, such as the heritage building, the queen's tomb itself, or the heraldry."
The investigation has also advanced in confirming that the monarch was a cousin of Constança de Cardona and Beatriu de Pinós. Work will continue throughout 2026 and 2027, including carbon-14 dating and further genetic analysis.
In other studied tombs, such as that of Artau de Foces, remains of women and children were found instead of a man. The tomb of Sobirana d’Olzet contained a single female individual, possibly the first abbess. However, the tomb of Francesca Saportella did not hold her remains but those of nine individuals and six male heads with stab wounds.
