Archaeological excavations at number 3 Carrer d’Hèrcules have unearthed one of the most significant historical treasures in recent years. During the expansion of the Gran Hotel Barcino, technicians found a monumental pavement made of Montjuïc stone that belonged to the city’s original forum.
This discovery, located in the basement of the former Casa Requesens, stands out for its excellent state of preservation. Experts date the pieces to the exact moment of the founding of the Roman colony, providing unprecedented information about the civic structure of ancient Barcino.
A 90-degree turn in history
The significance of this piece of architecture is not only aesthetic. The data obtained forces historians to rethink Roman urban planning in the Catalan capital. Until now, the traditional theory held that the forum was aligned with the cardo (north-south axis).
However, the arrangement of the stones confirms that the main square was built parallel to the decumanus. This new interpretation implies a radical change in the interpretation of the urban layout, as the center of Roman social life was rotated 90 degrees from what history books indicated.
The hotel will be a museum open to the public
The discovery will survive thanks to an agreement between the Gargallo Hotels chain and the public authorities. The company modified its original architectural project to ensure that the heritage remains intact. After the restoration work, the hotel will house a museum space integrated into the building.