Aquinum turns into an Archeotech lab: archaeological site tests

Aquinum becomes a laboratory for archaeological innovation

On Wednesday 22 April 2026, Villa Eucheria's Monacato in Castrocielo hosted the Archeotech Matching Showcase, an event designed to connect startups, research centres, local authorities and cultural operators to trial technologies on the Aquinum archaeological site.

Organised within the Terre di Aquinum project and curated by Zest Group, the meeting aimed to turn scientific activity into concrete opportunities for the territory, with benefits for tourism, employment and sustainable development.

Technologies and activities presented

• Drones for aerial surveys and high‑resolution mapping;
• Non‑invasive investigation methods (geophysics and remote sensing) to protect the archaeological context;
• 3D models and digital reconstructions for documentation and research;
• Immersive solutions (virtual and augmented reality) to enhance public enjoyment.

Participants and event format

The event involved technology and cultural companies, universities, foundations and municipal representatives. The format featured practical demonstrations, matchmaking sessions between technology supply and demand, and roundtables to outline pilot projects to be carried out onsite.

Goals and expected impacts

The stated goals include:

• enhancing the heritage through field‑applicable solutions;
• improving accessibility and expanding experiential visit offerings;
• generating job opportunities and attracting investments;
• establishing Aquinum as a sustainable valorisation model integrating research, technology and heritage.

Practical information

Location: Aquinum site, 03030 Castrocielo (FR), Italy.

Coordinates: 41.5316408, 13.7007311.

The project envisions the site as an Archeotech hub where companies can validate technologies and services in a real context before commercial rollout, while researchers and cultural operators deepen knowledge and diversify visit experiences. Local communities of southern Lazio are expected to benefit from improved accessibility and integrated culture‑innovation projects.