Cuticchi Excavation for the New Palermo–Catania Railway Link

Archaeological excavation at the Cuticchi site, Enna (Sicily), for ITALFERR S.p.A., as part of the “NPP0275 – New Palermo–Catania Railway Link, Catenanuova–Dittaino Section, Phase 1B” project, 2024–2025.

Stratigraphic excavation of a multi-phase context with Roman and Early Medieval occupation: a valley-floor area with evidence of Early Medieval terracing built over the abandoned levels of a Late Antique context; and a second excavation area on the slope near the hilltop, which revealed collapse layers associated with an Imperial Roman context.
Further geophysical investigations—geomagnetic survey and ground-penetrating radar—confirmed the presence of significant structures affecting the planned railway alignment. Archaeological investigations brought to light structures attributable to a Roman settlement dating from the 1st to the 3rd century AD, as well as a necropolis from the same period containing approximately 160 burials, ranging from simple pit graves to exceptional examples in the form of actual mausoleums. Covering 17,000 square metres, the excavation area identifies the site as a vicus, or rural village, associated with agricultural exploitation and likely livestock farming. In total, more than 20 structures were discovered, including an area with a central courtyard, three ambulacra and a large vestibule that retained its opus signinum flooring. Finally, a rural sanctuary area was identified south of the settlement.