Archaeological investigations at the Castelseprio Archaeological Park in the province of Varese continue to yield new discoveries. The ancient fortified town, destroyed in 1287 during a war with Milan, confirms itself as a site of extraordinary historical interest. In fact, new finds have emerged in recent weeks, adding to those unearthed last summer and playing a key role in reconstructing the settlement’s origins.
The research was conducted by the team from theUniversity of Padua led by Professor Alexandra Chavarria Arnau, composed of professors and students who have been engaged for years in the study of the basilica of St. John, the main cult building of the ancient settlement. Among the most surprising finds is a Roman funerary inscription, reused in medieval times to cover a burial and dedicated to a soldier who lived in the imperial age. Similar artifacts from the same period had already been found in the park, but this new evidence may offer additional elements to clarify the reasons for their presence in Castelseprio and the surrounding areas-a topic that scholars have been debating for some time.
Archaeologists have also identified the remains of a building dated between the 5th and 6th centuries, equipped with silos and traces of craft activities. These structures are older than the construction of the church, dating from the Lombard period, and valuable for understanding the daily life of local communities in the early Middle Ages.
Also particularly surprising was the discovery of an Iron Age burial: a large pit containing an urn, fragments of pottery and cast metal remnants, dated to the 6th century BC. A find that confirms how ancient the settlements in this area are.
Overall, these new elements will allow for a clearer reconstruction of the earliest phases of the site’s history, where protohistoric, Roman and early medieval memories are intertwined.
During the excavations, the Padua team has always allowed Park visitors to follow the work of the archaeologists live. In the coming weeks, Park Management will organize guided tours and meetings to explain the new discoveries, starting with the Roman soldier’s inscription, which is already on display at the Antiquarium. The first date will be Sunday, November 2, during the usual walks with the archaeologist together with the Park Director (free participation, reservations recommended: parcoarcheologico.castelseprio@cultura.gov.it).
“The research work we are promoting in the state archaeological areas of Lombardy is yielding important results,” says Regional Director Rosario Maria Anzalone. “In addition to the Roman villas on Lake Garda and the sites in the Camonica Valley, one place that is returning novelties and evidence of extreme scientific interest is precisely the Archaeological Park of Castelseprio. My warmest congratulations to the working team, in the conviction that research is a pillar of cultural enhancement and - therefore - with the hope of continuing on this path.”
“These discoveries represent a great satisfaction, not only for their scientific value, but also because, together with the other findings of last summer, they confirm the goodness of the strategy adopted by the Regional Directorate National Museums Lombardy: investing in scientific research and promoting excavation projects, both conducted by our officials and under ministerial concession with Italian universities,” adds Archaeological Park Director Luca Polidoro, stressing the importance of continuing the studies.
“Castelseprio is an extraordinary source of discoveries and makes us proud of our territory,” says Mayor Silvano Martelozzo. “I invite all our citizens to participate in the upcoming guided tours with Ministry of Culture staff to be told all the details about the new discoveries.”
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| New finds and remains of a building resurface from excavations in Castelseprio Archaeological Park |
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