Roveredo: ancient finds emerge in the Moesa region — how to enhance

Roveredo and the archaeological heritage of the Moesa

Recent fieldwork in the Moesa region, especially around Roveredo, has uncovered remains that document settlements from the Late Bronze Age through the Medieval period. These activities are part of the cross‑border Archeo ALPS project, funded under Interreg to study and promote fortifications and communication routes of the Regio Retica.

Methods and initial findings

Researchers combined non-invasive techniques and targeted excavations: ground-penetrating radar, aerial laser scanning and on-site test trenches. Key outcomes include:

• Motta Garlenda: traces of a defensive structure visible in geophysical surveys.
• Caslasc: terracing walls about 2 m high and at least 3 m wide, attributed to the Bronze Age; terraced area estimated around 20,000 m².
• Trii/Gravera: evidence suggesting a possible Iron Age road alignment.

These discoveries complement earlier finds in the area, such as the Roman necropolis at Gravéra (found during A13 motorway works in 1965) and material exposed during the San Fedele tunnel works in 2007–2008.

Why Roveredo matters

Roveredo's strategic location at the entrance to the Calanca Valley and along trans‑alpine routes explains its long-term human occupation. Alpine passes like San Bernardino and east‑west crossings have historically made this corridor significant for movement and trade.

Practical steps for enhancement

Turning these findings into sustainable cultural and tourist assets requires careful planning. Recommended measures:

• Adopt integrated protection plans across cantonal and local administrations to control development pressure.
• Create on-site educational trails and information panels for accessible visits.
• Promote museum exhibitions and regional itineraries (for example the "Archeology and Mountain" show at MVSA in Sondrio) to connect the public with research.
• Use digital tools (3D reconstructions, interactive maps) to broaden access and interpretation.
• Engage local communities and tourism operators to build sustainable, monitored offerings.

Next steps

Further trenching and laboratory analyses of recovered materials are planned. Continued cross‑border cooperation between research institutions and museums will be essential to set conservation priorities and communication strategies. The aim is to enhance the Moesa archaeological heritage in a scientifically sound, educational and sustainable way.