A once-in-a-lifetime find is the result of a Spanish man’s decision to renovate his home.
The renovations that Juan Francisco León Catena, a native of Ubeda, Spain, intended to carry out in his house did not take long. Behind the first wall, which he safely destroyed, he discovered a Renaissance bas-relief. Yes, you read that right.
Juan told the website Sputnik Mundo: “We started with the attic, the first place we discovered it, and then floor by floor they started to appear along its length.” “It wasn’t something small, but an 11-meter-high structure.”
Juan decided to contact a company that specializes in historic preservation because he immediately sensed something special about the building. Through them, he learned that the object he had discovered was part of the facade of the historic Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Ubeda, which was built in 1347 with the permission of the Pope himself.
In addition to the amazing discovery, Juan knew he should get a bonus because according to the Spanish Constitution’s Historical Heritage Law, the finder of any accidental archaeological discovery is entitled to a monetary reward.
It goes without saying that Juan immediately informed the municipality of his discovery. But he didn’t like the answer: the reconstruction of the house had to be suspended immediately.
After four years of litigation, the owner is still waiting for his prize and the conclusion of archaeological investigations on the property. This will allow him to convert the property into something “everyone can enjoy,” such as “a restaurant or an apartment building.”
“We followed instructions not to touch anything. Everything is still exactly as it was the day it was found.
An unexpected discovery made by Juan Francisco León Catena during the renovation of his house revealed a remarkable piece of history that dates back to the Renaissance era. What started as a simple home improvement project turned into a four-year journey filled with legal and archaeological complexities. The discovery of an 11-meter high bas-relief from the historic Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Ubeda not only reflects the region’s rich heritage but also highlights the importance of preserving cultural artifacts.
While Juan initially struggled to improve his living space, his dedication to historic preservation led to a wider recognition of the significance of the find. His decision to contact conservation experts demonstrates a responsible approach to the management of archaeological finds and ensures that this piece of history is properly documented and cared for. However long legal battles and stalled renovations reveal the problems that can arise when uncovering historic artifacts, especially in a country with laws to protect cultural heritage.
While Juan awaits his financial reward under the Historic Heritage Act, he remains hopeful that the property can eventually be transformed into a space that will benefit the community. His vision to create a restaurant or apartment building means not only a personal investment in his home but also a desire to share the rich history uncovered from its walls with others. This story serves as a reminder of the unexpected treasures that may lie beneath the surface and the responsibility that comes with uncovering them.