Venice, Carabinieri recover valuable archaeological collection of ceramic artifacts

Important recovery by the Carabinieri Tutela Patrimonio Culturale, presented this morning in Venice in the halls of the Doge’s Palace. The military returned to the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the Municipality of Venice and the Lagoon a valuable archaeological collection consisting of 18 ceramic artifacts. These pieces dated in total between the 7th and 2nd centuries BC.

The discovery of these artifacts came as a result of a series of investigative operations conducted by the Carabinieri Tutela Patrimonio Culturale on the instructions of the Venice Public Prosecutor’s Office. The lack of documentation attesting to their legitimate provenance raised suspicions that they might be the subject of illicit trafficking. Thanks to close cooperation with the Superintendency, targeted investigations were initiated, which led to the confirmation of the authenticity of 18 out of 20 artifacts initially seized. However, two of these artifacts turned out to be modern reproductions lacking historical and artistic authenticity.

Following the ruling issued by the Court of Venice in February 2024, the 18 authentic artifacts were assigned to the Ministry of Culture, which will be responsible for their preservation and enhancement. The two counterfeit reproductions were returned to the original holder, whose cooperation was instrumental in carrying out the investigation.

This operation, in addition to representing an important success in the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural property, also underscores the commitment of Italian institutions to the protection and enhancement of our rich historical and artistic heritage.

Venice, Carabinieri recover valuable archaeological collection of ceramic artifacts

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