Frattesina and Villamarzana: archaeological excavations resume with

By Redazione · September 7, 2026 · ≈ 2 min Starting 7 September 2026, excavation campaigns resume at two major protohistoric sites in the Polesine plain: Frattesina (Fratta Polesine) and Villamarzana. The work is part of the ArcheoPo. Archeologia in Polesine programme and the Prima Europa project, coordinated by regional heritage authorities with university partners. Research goals Investigations focus on the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age (13th–9th centuries BCE), aiming to reconstruct settlement layout, craft production and the exchange networks that connected these communities to wider Mediterranean and European systems. Research teams Frattesina (Fratta Polesine): directed by the Department of Ancient Sciences (Sapienza University of Rome), with Cpssae and the Italian Institute of Prehistory and Protohistory. Villamarzana: research led by the Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Padua. Open excavations and public visits To promote public engagement and share research outcomes, open excavation days are scheduled, led by the archaeologists in charge. Participation is free but requires prior booking. 11 September 2026, 10:30 – Open excavation at Frattesina and visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Fratta Polesine (event within the Adrikà Festival). – Open excavation at Frattesina and visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Fratta Polesine (event within the Adrikà Festival). 17 September 2026, 14:00 – Open excavation at Villamarzana; museum visit and materials laboratory at the town centre. – Open excavation at Villamarzana; museum visit and materials laboratory at the town centre. 24 September 2026, 14:00 – Second Villamarzana open excavation and museum visit. – Second Villamarzana open excavation and museum visit. 26 September 2026 – Special event at the National Archaeological Museum of Fratta Polesine for the European Heritage Days; presentation of new mediation tools. – Special event at the National Archaeological Museum of Fratta Polesine for the European Heritage Days; presentation of new mediation tools. 2 October 2026, 15:30 – Open excavation at Frattesina and museum visit. Visitor resources New public resources developed under Prima Europa include a reconstruction video of the Frattesina settlement, short films on local craft production, and tactile replicas of finds from Villamarzana to enhance accessibility and understanding. Practical information and bookings Visits are free but require reservation. For information and bookings contact the National Archaeological Museum of Fratta Polesine: These initiatives aim to make archaeological research accessible and to foster dialogue between researchers, institutions and the local community, shedding light on life in the Polesine more than 3,000 years ago. Location: Via Giovanni Tasso, 1, 45025 Fratta Polesine RO, Italia Coordinates: 45.0307533, 11.6404296 Open in Google Maps