Farewell to Paola Pelagatti, a leading figure in Sicilian archaeology

Paola Pelagatti: a life devoted to Sicilian archaeology

Paola Pelagatti has died at the age of 99. She was a major figure in twentieth-century Italian archaeology, whose research and conservation efforts significantly advanced knowledge of the historical landscapes of southeastern Sicily.

Career highlights and scientific impact

Trained at the University of Bologna and enriched by early experience at the Italian School of Archaeology in Athens, where she took part in excavations at Phaistos, Pelagatti later held senior posts within Italy's cultural heritage administration, including superintendent roles that influenced preservation strategies across several regions.

• Excavations and research: she led important fieldwork at sites such as Kamarina, Akrai, Naxos and Taormina, shedding light on urban development in ancient Sicilian communities.
• Field methodology: she championed rigorous stratigraphic excavation and meticulous recording practices, raising standards in archaeological research.
• Institutional leadership: her administrative work emphasized conservation and the sustainable management of archaeological areas.
• Teaching and cultural protection: active in academia, she promoted initiatives against illicit trafficking of artifacts and supported recovery efforts for displaced cultural heritage.

Connection to the Ragusa area and recognition

Her close ties with the Ragusa area and the Iblean region were central to her career. Through systematic studies and public engagement she helped underline the value of local museums and archaeological parks as pillars of community identity. In 2017 the Municipality of Ragusa awarded her honorary citizenship in recognition of her contributions.

A lasting legacy for research and preservation

Pelagatti's passing closes an important chapter in Italian archaeology but leaves a durable legacy: her publications, methodological innovations and fieldwork continue to inform research and conservation policies. Her work remains a reference point for those who manage and study archaeological sites.

For visitors and professionals: her legacy is a reminder of the importance of supporting archaeological research, safeguarding site conservation and promoting public access to museums and parks to protect cultural heritage for future generations.