The Castelliere di Elleri, a fortified settlement that was inhabited for approximately
2000 years, is an archaeological site of great importance.
Excavations carried out in the 1980s and 1990s have made it possible to partially reconstruct the original layout and appearance, although it is estimated that only 6% of the total area has been explored. The site has passed through different historical phases:
the Bronze Age, the Early Iron Age and the Roman period. Ceramic remains also suggest that the site was sporadically occupied during the
Middle Ages.
The organisation of the spaces is unclear for the first two phases. However, the layout is clear in the Roman phase. Only the walls and an enclosed area of this period are visible today: this area seems to have been used for cult rituals, as evidenced by the engravings and the stele dedicated to the God Mithras that have been discovered on the site.
The artefacts that have been unearthed at the site are preserved in the
Civic Archaeological Museum of Muggia, including a
collection of proto-historic ceramics that are a typical feature of a Castelliere settlement.
A redevelopment project has aimed at enhancing the site, including the expansion of the
archaeological area and also extending the tour itinerary to include the Necropolis of Santa Barbara. This is where
34 tombs dating between the second and first millennium were excavated. This archaeological discovery also brought to light several grave goods that are now preserved in the Civic Archaeological Museum of Muggia.
Visitors have access to the site by means of a
driveway which can also be used by people with disabilities. A footpath provides access to the necropolis, while
multilingual educational panels are placed along the route in order to achieve a better understanding of the site and its context.
Contacts:
Tel. 040 9960340
ufficio.cultura@comunedimuggia.ts.it
More informations:
Infopoint Muggia
Piazza Marconi, 1 a fianco dell’ufficio URP
34015 Muggia
Tel. +39 040 9571085
info.muggia@promoturismo.fvg.it
