Recent excavations at the chapel of Sant Joan Sescloses, located in Vilanova de la Muga (Peralada), uncovered three ancient Hebrew tablets that were part of the entrance steps of the 15th-century church, according to Diari de Girona. These tablets are believed to have come from the Jewish cemetery of Castelló d'Empúries and have been dated between the second half and the end of the 14th century.
The excavation project, directed by archaeologists Anna Maria Puig, Bibiana Agustí, and Joan Frigola—all researchers at the Institut d'Estudis Empordanesos (IEE)—has been ongoing for six years. “The excavations have allowed for a deeper understanding of the origin of the site,” reports Diari de Girona.
During the most recent campaign, two fragments of stone were recovered, joining three others unearthed in previous excavations. These findings provided insights into the historical modifications of the chapel. "Another unexpected find has been made, shedding more light on the site's past," explains the IEE.
Archaeologists also discovered pottery from the Republican Roman period, certifying that the space was frequented during that time and indicating the ancient Romans' presence at the site.
The excavations uncovered the existence of a mausoleum predating the chapel of Sant Joan Sescloses. "The large sandstone blocks in the walls of the chapel and the fragments of marble found there, which correspond to one or more sarcophagi, would be part of this mausoleum," explains the IEE. This funerary monument was dismantled, and part of the stone and marble from the sarcophagi was reused to build the church. The ongoing study determined that it is quality marble, probably of import.
Researchers identified that during the 15th century, a flood forced the elevation of the church's levels, including the pavement and the door, leading to the discovery of steps providing access to the interior. The building was also modified in height over the centuries.
Before the excavations began, it was known that the chapel had previously been a small monastic cell dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, which supposedly existed in the 8th century BCE. The preserved documentation links the chapel to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes from the 10th century. The work at the site allowed the identification of the Romanesque reform associated with the consecration of 1064. During this reform, the building was enlarged, and the access door to the church was moved to the west of the temple.
The last changes to the chapel occurred in the 18th century. At that time, a sacristy was annexed, and the choir was elevated, giving the chapel a similar appearance to what it has today. "The changes during the 18th century were significant," notes Diari de Girona.
The research is supported by the Department of Culture, the municipalities of Castelló d'Empúries and Peralada, the Institut Ramon Muntaner de Móra la Nova (IRMU), the Museum of History of Catalonia, and the Diocese of Girona. The Institut d'Estudis Empordanesos explains that efforts are underway to restore the church and adapt the surroundings. The Diputació de Girona, in agreement with the City Council of Peralada, has already begun this work.
These excavations are part of a research project focused on the population that lived around Lake Castelló during the early Middle Ages. The discoveries at Sant Joan Sescloses provide valuable insights into the region's historical timeline, spanning from Roman times through the medieval period.
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