Archaeologists uncover more secrets beneath Murcia's San Esteban

The ongoing excavations are revealing more about life in the medieval Islamic neighbourhood of La Arrixaca, which stood here more than eight centuries ago

Archaeologists working at Murcia's San Esteban site have uncovered more evidence of what life was like in La Arrixaca, the medieval Islamic neighbourhood that occupied this part of the city more than 800 years ago.

The latest discoveries include a well-preserved latrine, the remains of a mare and large brick pillars that suggest one of the buildings may once have had two or even three storeys.

The finds have been made during ongoing excavations around the Jardín de San Esteban, where archaeologists continue to uncover more of the former Arrabal of La Arrixaca, one of the most important Islamic suburbs of medieval Spain.

A rare discovery

One of the most unusual finds is a medieval latrine, uncovered in an area known as Trench 27. Murcia Ayuntamiento says it has been carefully lifted out in one piece so it can be restored before being returned to its original location once work on the site is complete.

The restoration will help preserve the structure while allowing future visitors to see it where it was originally discovered.

Elsewhere on the site, archaeologists have uncovered large solid brick pillars in an area known as Enclosure II. The discovery has strengthened the theory that one of the buildings may have had two, or even three, storeys more than 800 years ago.

Murcia mayor Rebeca Pérez shared the latest update on social media, saying the excavation continues to provide new information about the city's past.

Learning more about daily life

The remains of a mare have also been uncovered and carefully exhumed during the excavation. Experts believe the find could help them learn more about how animals were used and the role they played in everyday life in La Arrixaca.

Sharing the update, Pérez said work to protect and preserve the site would continue while the Ayuntamiento completes the tender process for the new public square above the archaeological remains and the Interpretation Centre below ground.

"While the tender process for the construction project for the large public square above ground and the Interpretation Centre below ground is being completed, we continue working to recover and showcase our heritage," she said.

The San Esteban excavations have already revealed hundreds of years of Murcia's history, and archaeologists expect more discoveries as work on the site continues. Once restored, some of the latest finds will be returned to their original locations as part of the future visitor experience.

Images: Rebeca Pérez