Vereto: 'DiscoVereto' excavation campaign begins

Period: 16 May - 19 June 2026

DiscoVereto has started: the first large-scale archaeological excavation at the ancient Messapian settlement of Vereto, in the municipality of Patù (Lecce). The five-week campaign is part of the Leucantica initiative and seeks to investigate settlement patterns in the Capo di Leuca area from the Late Bronze Age to the early Roman period.

Research goals

• Carry out stratigraphic excavation in areas not previously investigated systematically.
• Reconstruct exchange networks and aspects of cultural identity among Mediterranean communities.
• Combine archaeological data with topographic surveys and landscape analysis.

Methods and tools

• Stratigraphic excavation to examine habitation contexts directly.
• 3D topographic surveys and digital mapping to record structures and deposits.
• LIDAR remote sensing, GIS and non-invasive geophysical prospection.
• Comparative study of published and unpublished materials alongside documentary sources.

Community engagement and public activities

The project includes public archaeology initiatives open to citizens: educational workshops, training courses, seminars and guided visits. Many outreach activities will take place at the Vereto Archaeological Museum (Palazzo "Liborio Romano" in Patù) and a documentary will be produced to document the excavation phases.

Coordination and partners

Scientific direction: Università degli Studi di Napoli "L'Orientale". Partners include the Municipality of Patù, the local Superintendency (ABAP) for Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto, and the Puglia Region.

Practical information

Location: Vereto, 73053 Patù (LE) — Coordinates: 39.837968, 18.3276949

Excavation areas are located on municipal and private lands made available to the project. Public events and activity schedules are published by the municipal offices and the project's official channels: check times and participation rules before planning your visit.

DiscoVereto offers a chance to deepen knowledge of a historically significant Mediterranean landscape and to support collective efforts for the protection of local archaeological heritage.