Beginning of a new chapter in the archeology of Lleida
In early January, the City Council of Lleida kicked off an ambitious restoration and excavation project that seeks to revitalize the remains of the armor, the old Jewish quarter. These actions begin with the cleaning and consolidation of the historical remains, as well as a new phase of excavation in the Pogrom’s house, an area that requires special attention.
Discovers at the House of the Pogrom
Operations at the Pogrom house began the week before, focusing on the removal of geotextile protections and the cleaning of accumulated soil. Archaeologists have begun meticulous work to manually excavate the rooms of the southwest facade, which opens to the old royal street, with the aim of gradually revealing the different levels of the site.
Historical and Cultural Importance Context
The current excavation seeks to expand knowledge of the medieval remains that were severely damaged during the fire of the Call of Lleida on August 13, 1391.The vestiges recovered so far offer a window to the past of this emblematic Jewish quarter, which flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries.
Future plans and planned improvements
The Paeria plans to carry out three significant actions in the armor. At the end of this excavation phase, which is estimated to last one month, it is expected to leave part of the walls and other structures that have been hidden for years. This will not only allow visitors to admire their greatness, but also will open the door to future research.
Conservation and maintenance of heritage
In addition to the excavation, there will be a thorough review of the materials discovered above. This includes repairing damaged structures, the application of mortars for stabilization and the improvement of the land containment system. The actions also provide improvements in the lighting, installation of security cameras and signaling renewal, which is currently damaged.
Performances to the Socket Street Area
Simultaneously, restoration work will be carried out in the area of Souquet Street, especially in the part that borders on knights. The tasks will include the replacement of fallen stones, the reinforcement of the boards and the restoration of a section of pebble pavement, as well as the application of treatments to prevent biological colonization.
A commitment to heritage
The total budget for these conservation actions amounts to 29,200 euros, funded through a subsidy of the Diputació de Lleida. These initiatives reflect the efforts of the municipal government, in collaboration with Junts per Lleida, to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the city within the framework of the budget pact for 2025.
A revitalized space for future generations
Six years ago, Lleida inaugurated the gardens of La Vailerassa, an urban park of 6,000 m² that occupies the space of the old medieval call. The excavations between 2015 and 2017 have allowed to recover significant remains of this old Jewish quarter, which are now transformed into an opportunity for education and reflection on the history of the city.