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ARCHIVED - Excavation in Calpe, Alicante unearths 30 metre medieval wall
The discovery has been made at Calpe's Pobla de Ifach archaeological site in the Marina Alta region of Alicante province
A summer excavation campaign at Pobla de Ifach archaeological site in Calpe, which dates back to the 13th Century, has unearthed exciting revelations with the discovery of an ancient 30 metre wall that opens the door to the location of new medieval buildings in coming years.
The work has been carried out by the Archaeological Museum Museo Arqueológico de la Diputación de Alicante (MARQ), and according to archaeologist José Luis Menéndez, who heads the team, this discovery will contribute to improving the knowledge of the construction process of this sector of the ancient city.
Calpe's Councillor for Culture, Julia Parra, this week stressed "the importance of the archaeological research carried out by MARQ in this exceptional enclave from the medieval period in order to deepen our knowledge of our history".
"After a two-year break due to the pandemic, the team has managed to bring to light outstanding contributions to archaeological research," she added.
In addition to the opening of a new section of wall, the team has also confirmed the existence of constructions in the interior of the town in the western sector.
"The archaeologists have continued with the excavation of the collapsed wall in the vicinity of the West Gate. The cleaning has led to the discovery of the entrance arch to the city, which is complete and which will allow the reconstruction of the gateway to the town as part of the enhancement work that will be carried out in conjunction with the Department of Architecture of Alicante Provincial Council of Alicante," said the Town Hall.
As part of the site's preventive conservation programme, work has continued on the cemetarium of Ifach, the burial place of the former inhabitants of the settlement.
Five new tombs discovered in the 2020 summer excavation campaign have been documented, with the remains of three males, an adult female and an infant discovered in a good state of preservation.
They were found in the 'supine decubitus position', with their arms intertwined, bringing the number of bodies buried in this area of Ifach to more than 100. Remains of funerary coffins have also been found.
The excavation team has now begun removing the rubble of a former hotel that was built on top of the Pobla de Ifach remains to gain access to a 40-metre stretch of wall where two defensive towers and new buildings that were part of the urban structure of this medieval town are located.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with Calpe Town Council and the Penyal d'Ifach Natural Park with funding from Alicante Provincial Council.
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Image 1: MARQ
Image 2: Ayuntamiento de Calpe
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