Rome, an Etruscan site on the Cassia discovered in 2020 opens to the public for the first time

A new archaeological enhancement project is seeing the light of day along the historic Via Cassia at km 11.700, on the outskirts of Rome, where excavations conducted between 2020 and 2022 led to the discovery of an ancient Etruscan and Roman site. Thanks to a public-private partnership, namely between the Special Superintendence of Rome, the company Eos Arc that carried out the excavation and Rossetti Fuel srl that commissioned it, on Sunday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. citizens will be able to visit the site, which includes an Etruscan chamber tomb, a Roman paved road and a complex system of underground tunnels, free of charge. The open day will be an opportunity to discover the traces of a millennia-long frequentation that has bequeathed a true historical stratification, making this place a window to the past of enormous cultural value.

“The Superintendence does not only deal with the historic center and large of archaeological complexes,” says Daniela Porro, Special Superintendent of Rome, “but also protects and enhances archaeological discoveries in more decentralized areas by keeping them in their urban context and in constant relation with the life of the inhabitants of the area, who can freely enjoy them. In this way, the finds enrich the city and at the same time give back to the citizens their history by developing their sense of belonging and connection with the territory.”

The site along the Via Cassia

The site, spread over one hectare, has revealed a past rooted in the 7th-6th centuries B.C., as evidenced by the discovery of a chamber tomb from the Etruscan period, embellished with fine grave goods. This area proves to be not only a witness to life and death in ancient times, but also an important junction for connections at the time, as confirmed by the remains of roads and routes.

Finds are not limited to Etruscan times. During the late Republican age, the site became a production center, later expanded with a residential wing in the first centuries of the Imperial age. With the passage of time and the intensification of trade routes, a mansio, a post station where travelers could rest and refresh themselves, as well as a spa facility of which an intricate network of underground tunnels used to supply the baths remains visible today.

The enhancement project: archaeology and modernity along the via Cassia

The in situ valorization project was made possible through a synergy between the public and private sectors. In collaboration with the Special Superintendence and Eos Arc, the company Rossetti Fuel srl created a pedestrian path that winds inside a service station, offering a novel way of enjoying the archaeological heritage. The path allows visitors to admire some of the most significant points of the site, such as the Etruscan chamber tomb, the paved road and access to the ancient underground water tunnels.

An informative video made by Eos Arc has been set up inside the gas station, detailing the stages of the archaeological excavation and the research work conducted in recent years. Thanks to this modern multimedia presentation, visitors can learn about the history of the site and better understand the historical stratification that characterizes this area of the Via Cassia.

An open day to give back to the community the history and culture of the area

The Nov. 17 event represents an important opportunity for citizens of Rome and the surrounding area to come into direct contact with local history, guided by the staff of the Special Superintendence of Rome and professionals from Eos Arc. During the open day, visitors will have free access to the site, and moments of explanation will be organized to illustrate the archaeological discoveries, the evolution of the site and the conservation techniques adopted.

The project is an interesting example of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the enhancement of cultural heritage. On the one hand, public institutions, through the Special Superintendence of Rome, provided scientific supervision and archaeological protection, Eos Arc carried out the archaeological excavation while Rossetti Fuel srl provided space and resources to integrate the archaeological site within a modern service area. The result is a project that combines archaeology with everyday life, offering a new perspective on accessible and immersive cultural enhancement.

Those who wish to visit the site and find out more about the area’s Etruscan and Roman history can attend the free open day on Sunday, November 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Access is located along the Cassia road, at km 11.700, in the direction of Rome, near Via Igino Lega, inside the gas station operated by Rossetti Fuel srl.

It will be possible to see the site and take advantage of the explanations provided by archaeologists from the Special Superintendence of Rome and experts from Eos Arc, with no reservation required. A unique opportunity for those who want to discover a heritage that continues to live alongside the daily life of the city.

Rome, an Etruscan site on the Cassia discovered in 2020 opens to the public for the first time

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