A 13th-Century Medieval Tombstone, the Seventh of Its Kind, Uncovered in Gdańsk

Discoveries in Gdańsk

According to НВ — Техно: Beneath the "Miś" ice cream parlor in Gdańsk, archaeologists have unearthed a seventh medieval tombstone dating back to the 13th century. This find adds to earlier discoveries at the same site, including a knight's grave and the remnants of an oak church built around 1140. Notably, the burials associated with these artifacts predate the Teutonic era.

The excavation site is located at the intersection of Grodzka and Sukienna streets. Over 200 graves have been found beneath the café, three of which are marked with crosses. Historical records indicate that the Teutonic Order seized control of Gdańsk in 1308, underscoring the region's significance in medieval Polish history.

Architectural Heritage

Dendrochronological analysis of the oak-log church confirms its construction date around 1140. The structure features a Greek cross layout, a design typical of the period's architecture.

Additionally, two similar tombstones from Gdańsk are currently housed in the Malbork Castle Museum, highlighting the area's cultural importance to Poland's history. The discovery beneath the "Miś" ice cream parlor opens new avenues for studying Gdańsk's medieval past and its architectural legacy.

This find serves as a crucial testament to Gdańsk's historical heritage and emphasizes the value of archaeological research in understanding the region's past. The unearthing of new graves and architectural elements could reshape perceptions of the social and cultural structures of the medieval community that once thrived here. Investigations into such discoveries will deepen knowledge of historical events and regional development before the arrival of the Teutonic Order.