Excavations resume at the Roman Villa of Russi

After a six-year halt, archaeological excavations have resumed at the Roman Villa of Russi, supported by funding from the Directorate-General for Museums of the Ministry of Culture. The campaign is intended as a research phase aimed at future enhancement of the site.

The Villa, included in an ecological rebalancing area that recreates its ancient surroundings, is among the largest and best-preserved urban-rustic villas in northern Italy, with expansions dated between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century CE.

Scope of the investigations and targeted areas

• Southeastern sector: investigations in the area that hosted the private thermal complex, to study rooms only partly uncovered during the 2018 works.
• East of the ticket office: research aimed at identifying a sector for an hortus-garden, with an educational layout evoking the vegetation of the 2nd century CE.

The current work seeks to determine the full extent of the thermal installations, clarify the relationships between rooms (including latrines and exterior gardens), and locate the hypothesized eastern boundary wall of the complex.

Scientific direction, public access and guided tours

The excavation is run under joint scientific direction by the site’s archaeologists. During the coming months the archaeological area will remain open to visitors, with dedicated guided tours scheduled. For updates on opening times and visits, check the official channels of the Villa and the National Museums of Ravenna.

This project exemplifies institutional cooperation aimed at enhancing knowledge, protection and public enjoyment of a significant archaeological heritage in the region.