El Piloncillo in Buitrago de Lozoya

The archaeological works carried out on Piloncillo street have provided a better understanding of the evolution of the urban framework and the western sector of the walled area of ​​Buitrago de Lozoya during Medieval and Modern times. 

In the Piloncillo Arch it was possible to document a lime and stone foundation with mortar from a shutter jamb from the end of the XNUMXth century and the middle of the XNUMXth, which gave way to the fortified enclosure. Before the XNUMXth century, there should have been no access to the site through Calle Piloncillo, as evidenced by the existence of the base of an old defensive wall, which would prevent entry into this area. Another factor to take into account is the lack of paving prior to this date in an area where the natural rock has numerous unevennesses and irregularities, which would hinder transit, as well as the presence of a cemetery area, possibly from the XNUMXth century, located within the walls. and at a short distance from the Arco del Piloncillo, which does not seem to have been amortized until at least the XNUMXth century.

The typology of the tombs, anthropomorphic and excavated in the rock, correspond to the oldest documented in the excavations carried out in the nearby Plaza Ángeles Paino, next to the church of Santa María, dated in the XNUMXth century. Due to their location and disposition, there is no doubt about the relationship of the tombs now discovered with the disappeared church of San Miguel, one of the four parishes that Buitrago de Lozoya had in the Middle Ages.

In the 1621th century, this entire cemetery area linked to the Church of San Miguel was covered with a paved pavement, the excavation of which brought two coins from the reign of Felipe IV. The first, with the value of IV maravedis and minted in the mint of Toledo, belongs to the series from 1626 - 1636. Of the second, dated 4, only a stamp of XII maravedis of the mint of Seville is legible on 1603 previous maravedis to the reform of XNUMX.

In the XNUMXth century, Piloncillo street must have had an important transit of merchandise, livestock and people. It is the final moment of Buitrago's commercial boom before the beginning of its progressive decline from the following century.

What motivated the excavation

The archaeological control of the drinking water pipe installation works in Piloncillo street (Buitrago de Lozoya) promoted by Canal de Isabel II Gestión.

Protection of Good

Historical-Artistic Complex. Well of Cultural Interest. National Monument.