2025 Searching for the Viscounts of Chelva: Bioarchaeology at a Medieval Franciscan Convent, Spain Session I

Location:

Season: May 4, 2025 to May 31, 2025

Application Deadline: March 21, 2025

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.fieldsciences.org/program/2025-spain-chelva-church-i/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Center for Field Sciences (US), Universidad Europea Valencia (Spain) & Fundación Antonia Calavel (Spain)

Project Director:
Dr. Llorenç Alapont Martin, Prof. Physical and Forensic Anthropology, Universidad Europea Valencia, Spain

Project Description:

The Chelva Monastery was established 1390 CE, the oldest Franciscan mission in Spain. By the 16th century, the Church of San Francisco was built attached to the convent, in a Late Gothic style. According to written records, between 1551-1558 CE the Viscounts of Chelva – important leaders of the Iberian period – were buried under the alter of the church. This project is design to verify the validity of these textual records, excavate the remains of these important figures and study the life and death of elite, individuals from the nobility class of the period.

Period(s) of Occupation: Medieval Europe

Notes:
Tuition cost is $4,350; Program awards 8 semester credit units (equivalent to 12 quarter credits units) through our school of record – Culver-Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: None. This is hands-on, experiential learning and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research. Field work involves physical work and exposure to the elements and thus requires a measure of understanding that this will not be the typical university learning environment. You will have to work outdoors and will get sweaty and tired. Students are required to come equipped with sufficient excitement and adequate understanding that field work requires real, hard work, in the sun and wind. The work requires patience, discipline, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
All staff and student will be staying at the 14th Century Franciscan convent. Each student will get a private room that is simple but comfortable. The convent has large rooms, bathrooms, showers, library, dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, conference room, recreation and outdoor dining area, as well as a barbecue area. Wi-Fi is available throughout the convent. The project provides breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week, except for lunch and dinner during trip days (normally Saturday) and free day (normally Sunday). Please let us know of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian/vegan) so that we may inform the restaurant in advance.

Academic Credit:
Program awards 8 semester credit units (equivalent to 12 quarter credits units) through our school of record – Culver-Stockton College