Archaeologists studying the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes in Barcelona have uncovered new details about Queen Elisenda of Montcada and the community buried alongside her, shedding fresh light on life, death and burial practices in medieval Catalonia.
The findings come from a large-scale study launched as part of the monastery’s 700th anniversary. Researchers examined eight tombs linked to the institution’s earliest years and identified the remains of 25 individuals.
The project brought together experts in archaeology, physical anthropology, restoration, archaeobotany and genetics. Researchers opened the tombs, documented their contents and analyzed human remains before restoring and reburying the materials.
Queen Elisenda’s burial examined
A major focus of the investigation was Queen Elisenda of Montcada, founder of the monastery and wife of King James II of Aragon. After the king’s death, Elisenda remained closely connected to the convent and lived beside it until her death in 1364.
Archaeologists found her remains inside a medieval wooden coffin placed within a larger funerary monument. Analysis of her skeleton suggests she died at about 70 years old and suffered from osteoarthritis, a condition linked to aging.
Researchers found evidence that Elisenda was buried in relatively simple clothing associated with monastic traditions. However, fragments of silk decorated with metallic thread indicate that elements of royal status remained part of her burial.
The team also identified rosemary and myrtle among plant remains recovered from the tomb. Researchers believe the plants formed part of funeral ceremonies performed at the time of her burial.
Surprising discoveries in neighboring tombs
Several nearby tombs produced unexpected findings. A grave traditionally attributed to the knight Artau de Foces contained no adult male remains. Instead, archaeologists found the remains of two women and three children. One of the women still had a preserved ponytail attached to her skull, a rare survival after nearly 700 years.
Another tomb, believed to belong to Francesca Saportella, the monastery’s second abbess and Elisenda’s niece, contained at least nine individuals buried over different periods. Evidence showed the tomb had been reopened and reused multiple times.
Among the remains were four male skulls bearing stab wounds. Researchers also uncovered the partially mummified torso of a woman whose fetus remained in the birth canal. The fetus was estimated to have been between 20 and 23 weeks old.
Conservators also recovered fragments of parchment and handwritten documents, including sheets containing musical notation. Researchers are studying the materials to better understand daily life inside the monastery.
Health, rituals and ongoing research
The broader study revealed a community dominated by high-status women, many of whom lived to relatively advanced ages. Skeletal evidence showed osteoarthritis, traumatic injuries and possible metabolic disorders.
Researchers also documented traces of candles, cords, flowers and aromatic plants associated with funeral rites. More than 200 archaeobotanical samples helped reconstruct burial customs practiced at the monastery.
DNA analysis is now underway. Scientists are extracting genetic material from bones and teeth to confirm identities, investigate family relationships and trace geographic origins. Additional radiocarbon dating and material studies are expected to continue through 2027.
Researchers say the discoveries are reshaping understanding of the monastery’s earliest burials and providing a clearer picture of the people who lived and died there during the formative years of medieval Catalonia.
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