Hardgrounds from the bathyal Mediterranean represent conditions of low net sedimentation and progressive cementation. Trace fossils preserved in the cemented crusts document the change in substrate consistency from softground through firmground to hardground. The studied material was dredged from stations at water depths of about ‐600 m to ‐4100 m. Trace fossils of theGlossifungitesandTrypanitesichnofacies are well represented. The most important forms present are softgroundChondritesisp., firmgroundSpongeliomorphacf.S. ibericaandGlossifungites saxicava, the agglutinated tube"Terebella” phosphaticaencrusting hardgrounds, and the hardground boringsEntobiaisp.,?Maeandropolydoraiisp.,?Caulostrepsisisp., and three microborings attributed to fungi.