In June 2025, during roadwork in Chelva, Spain, over 100 well-preserved Muslim burials were discovered. These remains are part of the ancient maqbara (cemetery) of the town.
The burials date from approximately 1370 to 1520, coinciding with the construction of the Benaeça mosque in 1370. Most bodies were found in a lateral position, facing east, following Muslim funerary practices.
The discovery also revealed a high number of infant burials, reflecting the high infant mortality rates of the period. The Benaeça mosque, now the Hermitage of Santa Cruz, is the oldest in the Valencian Community.
The Chelva town hall notified the authorities and began the exhumation and documentation of the bodies. These remains will be studied in a laboratory and eventually deposited in the Archaeological Museum of Lliria. This find highlights Chelva's rich history and its commitment to preserving its heritage.