Under the frozen food aisle, a few metres down the detergents is a time machine that takes you back to Roman times. In the basement of a supermarket in Casazza, one can take a fascinating leap back fourteen centuries, when a trolley was not enough to take home a ready-made dinner.
Cavellas is not only the ancient medieval name of Val Cavallina but probably also of this Roman village discovered in the 1980s in Casazza during building excavations, which brought to light an area of more than 1000 square metres sealed by alluvial deposits from the nearby Drione stream that had preserved it over time..
Thus, under four metres of debris, remains have surfaced that testify to moments of the domestic life of cereal cultivation, farming, livestock breeding, and mat weaving.
In nearby Mologno, a hamlet of Casazza, some burials discovered in the 19th century revealed the existence of a settlement in Roman times of great archaeological importance. Today one views the site of Cavellas from a specially built walkway that passes just above the excavations and is guided by an interactive display explaining its history and distinguishing features.
Hearths, walls, and the ancient floors of this archaeological area are now open to the public to discover what life was like when there were no shopping centres but only the village market.
Under the aisles of the supermarket’s household goods, ancient pots, lids, millstones, and other objects found during excavation campaigns in Cavellas are on display.
DETAILS OF INTEREST:
– An archaeological village dating back to Roman times (1st-6th centuries A.D.);
– Some artifacts recovered from the excavations;
– Digital touchscreen totems and explanatory panels on the pedestrian walkway;
– Loan boxes and educational workshops to involve the youngest visitors.
VISIT INFORMATION:
– Free admission (free for residents | charge (€ 4.00) for non-residents, except for free admission by law and special events) during regular weekend openings (March to December inclusive);
– Open on weekends (March to December included);
– Opening hours (from 4th May 2024): Saturday 3 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.; Sunday 9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. / 3 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.; closed on the following days: Easter, 25th April, 1st May, 2nd June, 15th August, Christmas and 26th December;
– Free/guided tours bookable for groups (adults/school groups) also possible on weekdays, upon request;
– Duration of a guided tour (Italian/English): approximately 45′;
– A ticket is provided for the guide service, with a choice of educational workshops available for school groups;
– For further information, please contact the booking service;
– Parking: YES, parking spaces available along the perimeter outside the supermarket;
– Possibility of picnics in the nearby park.
