An unexpected discovery
In 2021, the story of Calella took an unexpected turn with the appearance of an ancient Roman mansion that, instead of being admired, has been buried under a new Aldi supermarket. These historical relics are found in an inaccessible cave, in a space that can only be glimpsed through a small hole in the supermarket access ramp.
The battle for heritage
From the shocking discovery, the platform for the dignification of the Roman villa has raised its voice against the negligence of the local and regional authorities towards the preservation of heritage. The estate, which once dominated the Calellean landscape, was a productive wine exploitation that had prospered between the 1st and 3rd centuries BC, with structures that date even from the 4th and 5th centuries AD.
A historical context rich
This villa was not only a home; It was a life center of economic activity, with a pottery factory that reflects its importance in the trade of the time. Its splendor was overshadowed by the modern works that have modified the urban landscape for decades.
A controversial agreement
The construction of Aldi was facilitated by a modification of the Municipal Urban Planning Plan (POUM), approved without properly considering the implications of the site. The documents reveal that the City Council had been informed of the purchase of the lands by Aldi, but the consequences for the heritage remains unquestioned.
Incomplete commitments
The agreement between Aldi and the City Council included the promise of making Roman remains accessible during the opening hours of the supermarket. However, the realization of this clause has been forgotten, with few options for the public to explore historical relics.
An Ignored Cultural Treasure
The excavation that the villa discovered was a time of euphoria for archeologists, who expected a modest finding and discovered a surprisingly well -preserved structure. David Garcia Rubert, an archeologist at the University of Barcelona, emphasized the importance of these walls, which exceed two meters in height, in contrast to other more fragmentary findings.
The risk of destruction
Despite their importance, the competent authorities have shocked indifference to the conservation of the site. The platform has reported violations of the Heritage Act, but its complaints have not had significant legal impact.
An uncertain future
With the inauguration of Aldi in 2023, the silence has surrounded the Roman remains. There have been no scientific publications or plans for its public exhibition, and group visits organized by the City Council seem insufficient to the magnitude of the lost heritage. Joan Juhé, spokesman for the platform, regrets the loss of a unique opportunity to position Calella as an important cultural center.
The need for changes
The current situation raises questions about how cultural heritage is managed. Garcia Rubert warns that current legislation allows the exploitation of archeological heritage without sufficient protection. This jeopardizes the cultural wealth that must be preserved for future generations.
