Medieval Falsterbo 3 2022-22

About the project

Project idea

The results of the archaeological excavation that took place in early September 2021 within the project ”Medieval Falsterbo” show a consistency with the findings made during an excavation conducted in the late 1970s. The results in both cases indicate urban settlement during the 15th to 16th centuries. Coins found in the same cultural layer as the house remains verify the dating of the ruins. The nave of Falsterbo Church was built during the last quarter of the 14th century. This indicates that the town existed long before the 14th-15th century ruins that have been found so far. Likely, the older settlement was closer to the church. No one has investigated whether older medieval ruins are hidden in the drifting sand in the immediate vicinity of the church; therefore, the project Medieval Falsterbo 3 aims to explore what lies hidden in the drifting sand near the church by using modern geophysical survey methods in combination with archaeological test excavations. The results will be exhibited at Falsterbo Museum and made available to the public, visitors, tourists, and educational institutions.

Project partnership

The project partnership consists of the Falsterbonäset Museum Association, Skanör-Falsterbo Center Association (local business community), FNF (Falsterbonäset Nature Conservation Association), the Archaeological Department (Lund University), the Department of Technical Geology (Lund University of Technology), the Geological Department (Lund University), and voluntary contributions from private individuals. Logical basis for the project The public interest in the medieval Skåne market at Falsterbonäset is very high, and the extent of the medieval town is poorly known. Visitors, residents, and those working in Söderslätt have shown great interest in the project's implementation and its results. The previous project ”Medieval Falsterbo (1200 – 1500)” indicates that the remains of the medieval town are located beneath the drifting sand dunes around the medieval church in Falsterbo. Project implementation, activities Complementary geophysical surveys, archaeological excavations, dissemination of results. The project plans to complement the previously conducted geophysical surveys in areas closer to Falsterbo Church and, based on the new results, conduct new archaeological excavations. The results will be communicated through exhibitions, digital applications, and guided walks in the area.

Beneficiaries of the project results

The results of the archaeological excavations can generate more visitors to Söderslätt and thus more jobs in the tourism industry. Tourists, visitors, students, pupils, and residents will gain access to an in-depth knowledge of Falsterbonäset's exciting medieval history through the presentation of results in the form of exhibitions and cultural historical walks. The local population's pride in their homeland will be strengthened, and more ambassadors for local cultural history will be developed. What does the planned timeline for the project look like (start date/end date)? The project starts on 21-11-03 and ends on 23-12-31.

The project's sustainability aspects

The project has both economic and social sustainability aspects for the Leader area Söderslätt and Skanör-Falsterbo. Economically, the story of the medieval market and the exhibitions can generate more visitors to Söderslätt and thus more jobs in the tourism industry. Socially, the attractiveness of living and working in Söderslätt will increase. Residents, students, and pupils will gain access to an in-depth knowledge of Falsterbonäset's unique medieval history. The local population's pride in their homeland will be strengthened, and more ambassadors for our exciting and interesting local cultural history will begin to emerge.

Connection to Söderslätt's local development strategy

The project's expected results align with an increased attractiveness for Söderslätt both as a tourist destination and a place to live. The project can generate more jobs and greater immigration.

Contact: Falsterbonäset's Museum Association, Bengt Hansson Mobile number 0733471830 Email address bengt.modeer@telia.com