Ancient Sarcophagus Found Beneath Dubrovnik Cathedral Square

Construction crews in Dubrovnik got more than they bargained for when routine pavement work revealed a massive stone sarcophagus right in front of the city's iconic cathedral. The two-meter coffin, dating back to Late Antiquity, emerged from beneath centuries of Croatian history at Poljana Marina Držića square.

Archaeologist Karmen Butigan says the team uncovered the sarcophagus lid during the initial excavation phase. What makes this find particularly exciting is that researchers don't yet know if the ancient coffin remains in its original burial spot or was moved centuries ago.

If the sarcophagus turns out to be undisturbed, it could unlock new understanding of how ancient Dubrovnik residents lived and buried their dead. The location itself tells a story: this square has been central to the city's religious and civic life for countless generations.

The discovery didn't catch local experts completely off guard. Mihaela Skurić, Director of the Dubrovnik Restoration Institute, explains they specifically monitored the pavement project because they expected historical finds in this archaeologically sensitive area.

"We knew and expected that archaeological finds were possible here," Skurić told Croatian broadcaster HRT. "A discovery of this scale requires additional research, and we believe that is the direction we will take."

Why This Inspires

This discovery reminds us that history isn't locked away in museums. It lives right beneath our feet, waiting to connect us with people who walked the same streets two millennia ago.

Dubrovnik's Old Town already draws visitors from around the world with its stunning medieval architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status. Now, the ancient city reveals it holds even deeper secrets than previously imagined, with layers of human stories stacked beneath its famous stone streets.

Protective archaeological excavation will now carefully investigate the sarcophagus, its potential occupant, and what secrets it holds about daily life during Late Antiquity. Each careful brush stroke in the coming weeks could reveal details about forgotten residents of this coastal gem.

Even in one of Europe's most thoroughly explored historic cities, the past still has stories to tell.