The restoration work of the Cathedral of Palencia has revealed numerous and unexpected archaeological remains of great importance. It was during a tasting on the floor of the temple that they revealed one of the greatest secrets hidden under its foundations: a vaulted crypt from the pre-Romanesque period that had been hidden for centuries under the chapel of San Isidro. This is an exceptional discovery because it could even rewrite the history of the cathedral and reveal structures that could connect the cathedral to the old Saint Barnabas hospital.
This discovery could provide crucial information about pre-Romanesque Palencia and the city’s development in the Middle Ages. In addition, it could shed light on religious life, architecture and construction techniques of that period. These discoveries could also change the current understanding of the origins and historical importance of the cathedral and its surroundings.
“The discovery is very important and what we want now is that the excavation work can continue to determine the real scope of this discovery. At first we did not know exactly its importance but, little by little, we became aware of the treasure we have in our hands,” explained to Ical the diocesan delegate of heritage of Palencia, José Luis Calvo. “This could change everything or expand the knowledge of the territory where our Gothic cathedral is located. Therefore, it is interesting to continue the investigations.
Calvo acknowledged that at present many questions remain unanswered and that his greatest desire is to obtain scientific answers. “It could mark a before and after or we could also expand our knowledge about the cathedral. Until nowThe oldest element of the temple was the crypt of San Antolín which dates back to the 7th century, but now all that could change. However, they insist that we must be cautious and wait for scientists to date the new discoveries,” he stressed. Once the chronology and context of these remains are determined, different historical accounts than those previously accepted could emerge about the founding and development of the temple. “Other remains could emerge, so for now, we will have to wait.”
The interest of universities
However, the truth is that these findings have already attracted the interest of academics, politicians and students. In fact, researchers from University of Oxford and University of Navarre They traveled to Palencia to see in person the recent discoveries in the Cathedral of San Antolín. “In the future, this could lead to the creation of a school, the development of new areas of study or the promotion of specialized programs around the pre-Romanesque and medieval history of the region. Everything, to know the genesis, the presence or the antiquity of all this,” said the dean of the cathedral, Dionisio Antolín.
He hopes that this academic interest will contribute to giving importance to a discovery that could provide new information on the pre-Romanesque and medieval history of the Community, generating a better understanding of the evolution of the cathedral and Palencia. “The participation of these experts could be essential to deepen the study of these archaeological remains since, in addition, well-preserved walls have been discovered. “This could offer a new perspective on the ancient history of the city,” he said.
Therefore, he said, it is important to continue the excavations to determine the exact chronology and historical significance remains. “All the authorities interested in the work have expressed their good intention to promote an excavation project but the truth is that we do not live on good wishes. Reality must be confronted with the facts and we must get to work because this may be only the tip of the iceberg. The first steps have been taken but, today, it is impossible to know when it will end and what the limit of all this will be.
To achieve this, they say, the support of the administrations will be essential. “It is time to join forces. We cannot face a work of this magnitude alone and we will need the support of national, regional, provincial or cultural institutions,” said the diocesan delegate for Heritage. An idea on which he agrees with the dean of the cathedral, who believes that all this could cause an increase in the number of visitors and have a positive impact on the city’s economy. “There will be many experts who will want to appreciate the discoveries in first person and this will strengthen scientific tourism,” Dionisio Antolín ventured.
It is worth remembering that the Cathedral of Palencia received more than 20,000 visits in the first five months of 2024. The number of tourists increases every month and the temple is consolidated as one of the main tourist resources of Palencia. Regarding the origin of national visits, Madrid continues to be the highest place of origin, followed by Castile and León, Barcelona and Navarra. Now, only time will tell if these latest discoveries are the necessary impetus for the Cathedral of Palencia to stop being the Unknown Beauty and become the Recognized Beauty.
A gateway for visitors
The diocese of Palencia has promoted the campaign “A cathedral with a view”. The initiative aims to contribute to financing, through voluntary financial donations, the building a footbridge which allows you to visit areas that are now restricted to SEO.
Specifically, it is planned to install a walkway on the roofs of the ambulatory and the triforiums at the head of the temple in order to offer “unprecedented and suggestive” views of both the city and the monument itself. A way to reinforce the attractions of both and to offer the visitor a “singular, unprecedented, unforgettable” experience. Those who wish can make donations via the bank account held by the Cathedral Chapter or via Bizum.
