Archeologica at Castello San Giorgio: spotlight on the Luni excavations and scholars' talk

Archeologica at Castello San Giorgio: spotlight on the Luni excavations

The Civic Archaeological Museum “Ubaldo Formentini” at Castello San Giorgio is presenting the 26th edition of Archeologica, a series curated by Donatella Alessi that highlights recent archaeological research in the region. The events give the public direct access to excavation results and expert analysis.

On Saturday, March 14 at 5:30 PM a lecture by Simonetta Menchelli and Paolo Sangriso is scheduled: "Luna from dawn to dusk. The Porta Marina excavations by the University of Pisa."

Since 2014 the University of Pisa has been investigating the southern quarter of Luni, at Porta Marina. Excavations have revealed a notable stratigraphic sequence: structures attributable to Portus Lunae (3rd century BC), a domus of the navalia dated to the 1st century BC with richly decorated floors, and continued occupation and transformation up to the early 8th century AD, when the site was ultimately abandoned.

About the speakers

• Simonetta Menchelli: Professor of Ancient Topography and Underwater Archaeology at the University of Pisa. Her research spans Italian and European sites; interests include landscape archaeology, study of ancient buildings, ceramic archaeometry, and archaeology of production and transportation systems.
• Paolo Sangriso: Specialist in ancient topography with excavation and survey experience across several Italian regions. He focuses on coastal topography, production of Italic terra sigillata, ancient architecture, and Roman urban planning.

Practical information

• Venue: Civic Archaeological Museum “Ubaldo Formentini”, Castello San Giorgio, via XXVII Marzo, 36 – La Spezia
• Date & time: Saturday, March 14, 5:30 PM
• Contacts: Tel. +39 0187 751142 – [email protected]

The Archeologica series continues with further sessions on excavations, discoveries and thematic studies of regional archaeological heritage — a chance to hear directly from researchers about on-site investigations and results.