A queen’s tomb hid a secret for 700 years until science opened it

Seven centuries after the founding of the Royal Monastery of Saint Mary of Pedralbes in Barcelona, an ambitious scientific project has revealed some of the best-kept secrets hidden within its medieval tombs. Conducted as part of the monastery’s 700th anniversary commemoration, the study has uncovered findings that challenge long-held historical assumptions and shed light on burial practices that were previously unknown.

The investigation focused on opening and analyzing eight 14th-century tombs, including that of Queen Elisenda of Montcada, the monastery’s founder. For the first time, researchers conducted a comprehensive study of the remains of 25 individuals using archaeological, anthropological, botanical, and genetic analysis techniques.

The project is led by Anna Castellano-Tresserra, director of the monastery, together with specialists including archaeologist Josep Maria Vila, conservator Javier Chillida, and physical anthropologist Carme Rissech. Early findings are already prompting historians to reconsider parts of the medieval history associated with the site.

Unexpected discoveries in several tombs

One of the most surprising discoveries emerged from the tomb traditionally attributed to Artau de Foces. Instead of finding the remains of a man, researchers uncovered the bodies of two adult women and three children, completely calling into question the historical identification of the burial.

Another remarkable case involved the tomb of Francesca Saportella. There, researchers found the remains of at least nine individuals from different time periods, demonstrating that the grave had been reopened and reused centuries after it was originally constructed.

This same tomb yielded some of the study’s most striking discoveries: four male skulls bearing injuries caused by bladed weapons, as well as the mummified torso of a pregnant woman. The remains still contained the skull of a fetus estimated to have been between 20 and 23 weeks into gestation within the birth canal.

Researchers believe these findings provide unprecedented insight into living conditions, violence, and funerary customs in medieval Catalonia.

The great mystery of Queen Elisenda

The opening of Queen Elisenda of Montcada’s tomb was one of the most anticipated moments of the project. The funerary monument, considered one of the masterpieces of Catalan Gothic art, concealed details that had remained unknown for centuries.

The queen’s remains were not located directly inside the sarcophagus, as historians had long believed. Instead, they were found inside a medieval wooden box. Anthropological analysis suggests that Elisenda died at approximately 70 years of age and had a robust build, along with several age-related health conditions.

The clothing discovered with the remains was simple and likely consisted of a monastic habit, consistent with the penitential image in which she was portrayed within the monastery’s cloister. Among the recovered artifacts was a fragment of silk decorated with metallic thread, which specialists are still studying.

The project began in late 2024 with preliminary endoscopic examinations and is scheduled to continue through May 2027. Ongoing work includes 3D scanning, radiological imaging, textile analysis, and the study of documentary materials.

Researchers acknowledge that many questions remain unanswered, including the exact causes of certain deaths, the reasons some tombs were reopened, and whether traces of ancient pathogens may still be present.

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