Excavations up to 4 metres at Piazza del Mercato in Civitavecchia

Archaeological excavations at Piazza Regina Margherita (Market Square), Civitavecchia

Survey excavations are underway in Piazza Regina Margherita, known as the Market Square, as part of a redevelopment project funded by the PNRR. The Superintendency has ordered deep sondages to determine whether archaeological remains or earlier structures lie beneath the square.

The investigations reach depths of up to 4 metres. Fieldwork may continue for about ten days and could affect the planned schedule for the area’s refurbishment.

What this means for the redevelopment and the public

• Budget: the redevelopment project is funded with approximately €3 million from the PNRR.
• Timing: the deadline to complete the site works is 30 June 2026.
• Impact: any archaeological finds could extend the timeline and require further investigations coordinated by the Superintendency.
• Work management: excavations are being carried out with archaeological monitoring and sondage techniques to protect any finds and stratigraphy.

Practical information

Residents and market operators should expect possible partial closures of the area while sondages are in progress; safety signage and perimeter measures will be in place. For updates on progress or possible extensions of the works, check municipal announcements or communications from the local Superintendency.

These investigative works are essential to understand the square’s historical layers and to ensure the redevelopment respects the archaeological heritage below.