TRAP

Documenting the Archaeological Heritage of Lago Trasimeno

View of Via Belvedere Site from the north

RESEARCH: Excavation and Survey

The Trasimeno Regional Archaeological Project (TRAP) seeks to document the history on human occupation on the western shores of Lago Trasimeno from the prehistoric period to the early Middle Ages. Our research includes mapping known sites, conducting strategic excavations, and developing a local archaeological museum. Of particular interest is to develop a better understanding of the transition from the Etruscan to Roman periods between the 2nd century BC and the 2nd century AD. To that end, the team has conducted excavations at three sties in the territory of Castiglione del Lago: The Roman Villa at Gioiella-Vaiano (2015-2019); a kiln site at Ranciano (2022); and a probably Etruscan and Roman sanctuary on the south slope of Castiglione del Lago (CdL) (2023-present). To learn more about the excavations, click on the photos below.

Via Belvedere (CdL)

(Current excavations)

The Via Belvedere site is located on several terraces below the Medieval city walls. On the upper terrace, we have found evidence of an Etruscan paved roadway and monumental wall. Lower down the slope is a Roman fountain house and bath complex from the 2nd century AD.

Gioiella-Vaiano Villa

(2105-2019)

The Roman villa located between Gioiella and Vaiano was a luxury estate overlooking the Clanis River to the west of Trasimeno. Click here for more details. The site was first occupied in the 2nd century BC. In the 1st century AD the property included a monumental nymphaeum and a bath house.

Ranciano

(2022)

Ranciano is located approximately 7 km to the southwest of Castiglione del Lago. Earlier discoveries there include a small bronze figure of Eros holding a sword. In one season of excavation, 2022, TRAP documented part of a Roman structure and a Medieval kiln. Excavation was cut short when a WWII mortar shell was discovered in the field.

DOCUMENTING HUMAN SETTLEMENT IN THE REGION: TRAP’s research agenda includes a survey of all the known archaeological sites in the territory. Since 2015, we have documented over 100 sites, some of which were recorded by explorers in the 19th century, some are chance finds by local farmers, and others were identified for us by our partners in the ArcheoTrasimeno Club.

Publications

Articles:
Schindler, R., P. W. Foss, S. Spiganti, and G. Bevagna. 2023. “Recent Archaeological Work in the Territory of Castiglione del Lago (PG).” Bollettino di Archeologia On Line 14.1 (2023), 257-74.

Schindler, R., P. Foss, G. Bevagna, and S. Spiganti. 2021. “Report on the Excavations of the Gioiella-Vaiano Villa 2016-2019.” FOLD&R: Journal of the Fasti Online: http://www.fastionline.org/docs/FOLDER-it-2021-493.pdf

Bevagna, G., P. Foss, R. Schindler, and S. Spiganti. 2016. “Castiglione del Lago, Gioiella site survey, 2015: preliminary report.” FOLD&R: Journal of the Fasti Online: http://www.fastionline.org/docs/FOLDER-it-2016-348.pdf

Bruschetti, P., and S. Spiganti. 2016. “La Rocca di Castiglione del Lago (PG) Campagna di scavo 2014.” FOLD&R: Journal of the Fasti Online: http://www.fastionline.org/docs/FOLDER-it-2016-355.pdf