Research (2009-2010)

The 2009 archaeological work in the area referred to as Calle La Rambla – Historical Centre consisted of trenches which were being dug for the installation and maintenance of various utilities (water, light, etc) undergoing archaeological monitoring, and of an archaeological excavation in the Palomar street stretch which unites Santa María Square with Maestros Hermanos Sanchéz Griñan Square, and around its outskirts.

The recovered material and structures are currently undergoing study and interpretation, but it is possible to talk about the discovery of various grain storage structures from the Almohad period; there are three in total, two of which were discovered during the archaeological monitoring.

Part of two houses was uncovered through the use of trays, which drain small squares with lime mortar. They are dated in the 14th Century and both were found beneath the Santa María church.

Under one of these constructions, other structures belonging to a courtyard or shed were found, poorly conserved and built with plaster blocks, from the Almohad era.

Finally, in some areas, below the Almohad layers but above the geological substrate, strata were documented which consisted entirely of sherds from the Iberian era in the 4th Century BC.

(translation by Florence Lilley)