They locate the remains of 14 individuals who could be the first settlers of the monastery of Sant Llorenç del Munt

BarcelonaWorks to prevent erosion at the top of Mola have uncovered remains of human burials around the monastery of Sant Llorenç del Munt, as reported by the ACN. Although the existence of a necropolis in the area was taken for granted, the discovery has been a surprise to archaeologists because the remains have been found in a very busy area, on the access ramp to the monastery's esplanade. Remains of 14 individuals and two anthropomorphic tombs from the early days of the monastery's occupation, in the 10th century, have been found.

The project's archaeologist, Maica Carmona, highlighted the magnitude of the discovery: "So far, fourteen individuals have been found, but we believe there will be more," she said. "Now we will have to continue with the necessary studies to determine if they are men or women, if they have traumas, pathologies, as well as determine their dating," added Carmona, who explained that "the grave goods accompanying the bodies are very scarce, which makes it difficult to specify their chronology." "But we have two anthropomorphic tombs that speak to us of the 10th century of the monastery's occupation; it will have to be studied," she said.

The archaeologist recalls that various excavations have been carried out at the monastery and its surroundings in recent years, but that this discovery has been a surprise they did not expect due to the place where it was discovered: "We suspected that there might be something, but considering that it was a passage area, we have been surprised to find complete skeletons in places where sand had accumulated."

Ongoing archaeological work

The archaeological works are being developed systematically, with manual techniques and precision tools, photographic recording and mapping. As it is a possible funerary area, the intervention also requires multidisciplinary work, with anthropology professionals in charge of the excavation and study of human remains.

The intervention is conditioned by the need to adequately preserve the remains and also by external factors, such as the weather, as the work is carried out outdoors. Once this phase is completed, the data obtained will be collected in an archaeological report, which will be sent to the Department of Culture of the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Diputació de Barcelona.

The summit of La Mola is the highest point of the Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac, with 1,103 meters of altitude, and is located within the municipal term of Matadepera. The site hosts the Benedictine monastery of Sant Llorenç del Munt, from the 11th century, declared a cultural asset of national interest and acquired by the Diputació de Barcelona in 1983. The monumental complex has a surface area of 946 m² and is formed by the church, the galilea and the old guesthouse building. It is located in an area of protected land, of high archaeological and paleontological interest, and has historically hosted restoration, information, and cultural and environmental dissemination services.