Remains of the washing house of l’Abiar discovered

 

© www.elpoblenoudebenitatxell.com

The full excavation of the l’Abiar washing house of Benitatxell reveals a jewel ‘in a perfect state of preservation’. Its walls and tiles have been perfectly preserved despite the fact that this traditional construction was buried when a road was opened in the 1970s. It is 9 metres long, which coincides with the oral testimony of the elderly people who were interviewed, especially the women (Maria, Teresita, Isabel, Lola and Pepe), who pointed out that in the past, when they went to wash clothes in the washing place, six women were placed on each side and three more at each end.

• It is 9 metres long, which is consistent with the oral testimony of the elderly people interviewed.
• The excavation coincides with the centenary of the first written evidence of the existence of the washing house in 1924.

Now, after bringing the entire structure to light, the area is to be enclosed and the archaeological team will begin more thorough cleaning work by hand. In the meantime, the road will be a single lane, but with two directions of traffic, which will be indicated by road signs and markings to preserve road safety. The final steps will be the complete restoration of the washing place and its surroundings with the goal of making it a museum and adding value to it. © www.elpoblenoudebenitatxell.com