Civitavecchia: archaeological excavations begin at Piazza Regina

Civitavecchia: archaeological excavations start in Piazza Regina Margherita

The redevelopment project for the market in Piazza Regina Margherita, Civitavecchia, has entered a sensitive phase with the start of archaeological investigations. The work, part of a €3 million contract, followed weeks of suspensions, technical checks and local protests.

Early site works uncovered ferrous residues beneath the asphalt, prompting further checks for wartime ordnance risk and additional investigations. The municipality allocated an extra €2,440 for these inspections.

Scope of the archaeological investigations

The new phase includes opening excavation trenches and preparing a final technical report, for a total value exceeding €19,000. The Soprintendenza requested these measures because the area overlaps a sensitive sector of ancient Centumcellae, the historic Roman core of the city.

• Technical verifications and prescriptions from heritage authorities.
• Checks for ferrous residues and wartime ordnance assessments.
• Stratigraphic excavations and drafting of the final archaeological report.

Consequences for traders and the schedule

Market traders remain worried about prolonged delays, project changes and new bureaucratic requirements that are extending the timeline. Controversy over the removal of some trees in the square has increased public tensions and led to demonstrations.

The municipality and the Soprintendenza must now balance heritage protection with the community’s need for clear timelines and the reopening of the market.

For visitors and residents: access to the square may be temporarily restricted during investigations and site operations. Follow official updates from the Municipality of Civitavecchia for the latest information.