Corfinio resurfaces: Roman wall discovered, calls grow for new

Corfinio resurfaces: Roman wall discovered, calls grow for new excavations

During routine agricultural operations in the Madonna delle Grazie area of Corfinio, an extended section of Roman wall in opus reticulatum was uncovered, remarkably well preserved. The find highlights the historical importance of ancient Corfinium and renews attention to the buried archaeological heritage of the district.

Key facts and planned actions:

• Location: Corfinio (Madonna delle Grazie).
• Discovery: lengthy preserved stretch of Roman wall in opus reticulatum.
• Notification: the Municipality has informed the relevant Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for L'Aquila and Teramo and initiated legal protection procedures.
• Institutional appeal: local authorities are calling on the Ministry of Culture and competent bodies to consider a structured archaeological campaign and dedicated funding.

This discovery is both scientifically significant and an opportunity for cultural and tourist development. Corfinio shelters an extensive archaeological nucleus—often described as an "invisible city"—with many remains still underground. To leverage the find, the Municipality stresses the need for conservation work on existing facilities, which currently require urgent maintenance.

• Local facilities in need: Museo Civico Archeologico "Antonio De Nino", Parco Archeologico "Don Nicola Colella", the sanctuary of Fonte di Sant'Ippolito, and the lapidary collection.
• Proposed goals: launch systematic excavations, plan conservation and enhancement measures, attract researchers and cultural tourism.

For visitors and scholars: the discovery positions Corfinio as a priority site for the study of Republican-era urbanism and Italy's ancient past. Any on-site visits will be coordinated with the Soprintendenza and local institutions to ensure the protection of the find.

Conclusion: the emergence of this Roman wall at Corfinio underscores the urgent need for investment in archaeological research and conservation. Local authorities hope the discovery will prompt a collaborative programme of study and interventions that restore new chapters of ancient history to the public and the academic community.