Water and the Etruscans: successful conference in Grotte di Castro

Water and the Etruscans: main outcomes from Grotte di Castro

The fourth annual conference titled “Water and the Etruscans” was held in Grotte di Castro, organized by the Municipality together with the Institute of Cultural Heritage Sciences (ISPC) of the CNR in the new Community House. The meeting focused on recent research and interventions concerning the relationship between Etruscan communities and the area’s water resources.

A key announcement was the restart of underwater excavations in Lake Mezzano, officially launched in 2025 and reactivated in recent weeks. These new field operations could provide important insights into the protohistoric remains identified in the area.

Speakers and topics

The conference gathered numerous national experts, with scientific coordination by Mariaflavia Marabottini (Museo Civita, Grotte di Castro) and Marco Arizza (ISPC-CNR). Main discussion points included:

• New excavation campaigns and preliminary findings from research around Lake Bolsena and Lake Mezzano.
• Site accessibility and planning solutions for visitors with diverse needs.
• Territorial enhancement and strategies to integrate archaeological findings into local development.
• Heritage protection and coordination among local authorities, superintendencies and research institutes.

Contributors included representatives from the Superintendency for the Province of Viterbo, scholars from the University of Salento and other universities, archaeologists from the Cerveteri and Tarquinia Archaeological Parks, and local museum professionals. Experts from ISPC and directors of water navigation and inland water heritage museums also participated.

Why this matters

The conference reaffirmed its role as a reference point for archaeological research in the Lake Bolsena area. The Superintendency’s decision to announce the new excavation campaign at this event highlights its scientific and territorial relevance. Underwater investigations and accessibility projects are concrete steps toward more sustainable and inclusive enjoyment of Etruscan archaeological sites.

For further updates on excavation campaigns and promotional activities, follow official communications from the Municipality of Grotte di Castro and the research institutions involved.