The Herculaneum Archaeological Park has announced the start of excavation and consolidation work at Villa Sora, the Roman residential complex located in Torre del Greco. The intervention, expected to last about two months, will affect in particular the northern front of the covered area of the villa. The main objective is to conserve the ancient structures, deepen archaeological knowledge and prepare appropriate conditions for the future use of the site. The new phase of work continues the line of research initiated with the 2016 investigations and maintenance work carried out in 2024, configuring itself as preparatory to the broader program called Enhancement of the Archaeological Area of Villa Sora. In parallel, the technical-economic feasibility design of the entire valorization plan is being entrusted.
Central element of the intervention will be the excavation of environment 22, together with the advancement of the northern front and the redefinition of the current walkway. These operations will bring to light hitherto unexplored portions of the building and acquire valuable data on the stratigraphy of the site, while also entailing a significant change in the visitor route. The archaeologists’ attention will focus on studying the original distribution of spaces and the construction phases of the villa, which was buried by the 79 AD eruption. Preliminary operations include weeding and cleaning activities of the surfaces, conducted according to strict stratigraphic criteria. Special care will be given to the recovery of archaeological evidence embedded in the pyroclastic deposits. The excavation will be accompanied by the installation of steps to ensure the stability of the structures and to allow for possible future extensions of the investigations.
The project integrates protection and enhancement actions: the extension of the visitable and fenced area, the extension of the roofing canopy, the new arrangement of the walkway on the northeast front in view of the future extension of the accessible area, and targeted consolidation and securing of the excavation fronts are planned. The excavated material will be sorted and sieved for the recovery of even small finds. Stone and brick elements pertaining to ancient structures will be documented, cleaned and stored in a controlled manner, with a view to eventual reuse or recomposition. All activities will be conducted under the supervision of specialized archaeologists and restorers, with continuous documentation and preparation of a final dossier. Special attention will be paid to the decorated surfaces, floors, movable artifacts and masonry that will emerge during the investigations. The intervention at Villa Sora represents the first step in a broader program of research, conservation and enhancement of the entire archaeological area, aimed at making the site more accessible and understandable to the public, while maintaining a rigorous scientific approach. The project is part of a broader effort by the Herculaneum Archaeological Park to protect the Vesuvian heritage and promote historical knowledge of the area.
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| Work started at Villa Sora: excavation and consolidation at north front |
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