
Pedralbes Tomb Openings Reveal Misidentified Remains
Archaeologists reopening the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes in Barcelona opened eight medieval tombs and found 25 remains that do not match the identities historically assigned to them, including in Artau de Foces’ tomb where five individuals — two adult women and three children — were found instead of a single male. The team recovered more than 200 archaeological samples and uncovered nine individuals of later chronology in Francesca Saportella’s tomb. Queen Elisenda was buried in modest clothing; researchers have recovered about 6% of her genome, with additional DNA testing planned through 2027. The three-year project aims to illuminate medieval burial practices and Catalan society, while Elisenda’s final will—with remains to be returned to the monastery—remains honored.











