A thick steel fence at the foot of one of the Roman towers in Plaza Nova hides what was an important archaeological discovery from 1976. It is a pedestrian access to the 1st century wall and which currently connects the plaza with the interior. of the episcopal palace.
Despite its historical importance, the door goes completely unnoticed behind the grille, which looks more like the door of an energy supply utility closet. On the part of the episcopate, the access is walled up.
The discovery occurred by chance during work to install an elevator, which revealed a gallery covered with earth. When excavating it, archaeologists from the Museum of History were surprised to discover the access. It is a passage approximately one meter wide and about five meters long, dating back to the time of Augustus and which allowed the history of the wall to be updated.
This gate was part of the complex that formed the entrance to the Roman city in what is now Plaza Nova. It consisted of a wider central arch that could be used for wagons and two narrow sides for pedestrians. Three centuries later, when the wall of Barcino was reinforced, the two circular towers that are still preserved were built, at which time it is assumed that the two pedestrian crossings were removed.
The interior of the passage can be seen if one approaches, not without difficulty, the barred door. The design of the ramp that connects Plaza Nova with Calle del Bisbe, crossing the old entrance, prevents easy access to a corner where dirt usually accumulates.
Although the metal gate that protects the ancient Roman gallery is very thick, if you get close enough and in daylight, you can glimpse inside. Through the tiny holes in the fence you can see in the background the brick wall that obstructs the entrance through the episcopal palace, as well as the stone blocks at the beginning of the gallery and the arch that covers it.
In the excavation that uncovered this ancient entrance to the Roman colony, various pieces of ceramics, the bust of a teenager and a coin with the effigy of Emperor Gratian from the 4th century were found.
