Wondering about your home in the past?
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence." Albert Einstein
Building Archaeology
Umbria is a land of historic buildings. Living in medieval and early modern homes is a relatively common occurrence. Often undocumented and usually unpublished, their fascinating story can be read through an experienced and competent approach. Walls can record crucial information about the evolution of a structure through time: from the establishment, to destruction and changes.
An expert eye can turn the feature of a masonry into the pages of a book previously unwritten.
Rather than for the sake of mere (but legitimate) curiosity, discovering the history of a building can be a crucial step in guiding its restoration and highlighting its most significant elements before unredeemable mistakes. An archaeological analysis can improve the economic value of a property, or allow new marketing strategies and communication for dwellings with a commercial use.
Previous Works
Our Portfolio
Castle of Baccaresca - 2019
Hidden in northeastern Umbria, this exclusive hotel holds centuries of strategic power within its walls. Our analysis uncovered the remnants of a 14th-century fortress, originally built to guard the southeastern borders of Gubbio under the rule of the Gabrielli family. We mapped its massive 16th-century overhaul for gunpowder warfare and its ultimate transformation into a luxurious 18th-century episcopal retreat. We bring the rich architectural evolution of elite heritage destinations to light.
San Pietro a Pettine - 2024
Sitting at the heart of a famed Umbrian truffle estate and restaurant, this iconic medieval chapel holds a story nine centuries in the making. Our stratigraphic analysis traced its origins to the late 11th century, followed by its acquisition by Sassovivo Abbey, a partial 14th-century collapse likely triggered by an earthquake, and a final medieval restoration before centuries of decline. We transformed these findings into an authoritative monograph: I nove secoli di San Pietro a Pettine (2024).
The Medieval House of Trevi - 2026
Recently acquired by a local entrepreneur, this rare architectural gem is one of Umbria’s few surviving timber-framed buildings. Our research revealed two distinct construction phases from the 15th and mid-16th centuries, detailed through precise documentation of its unique timber frame (grey) and original masonry iron ties (magenta). We are proud to help safeguard crucial data on an ancient technique that survives in only a handful of sites across central Italy.
Castle of Montignano - 2017
Nestled in the heart of Umbria near Todi, this medieval castle is now a premier hotel, luxury relais, and sought-after wedding venue. Our investigation unveiled the site’s rich evolution—from its 13th-century roots as a fortified communal settlement to its 16th-century defensive upgrades and its partial transformation into an elegant 18th-century villa. We bring the layered history of iconic venues to light.
St Antonino Fantosati's House - 2025
Currently undergoing restoration, this historic property is the 1854 birthplace of Saint Antonino Fantosati. Our structural analysis traces the building’s origins back to the late Medieval/early modern era, followed by a major 18th-century renovation. We stepped in to conduct the archaeological analysis required for listed building permits. By transforming complex heritage data into a clear, authoritative report, we streamlined the bureaucratic process and paved the way for a smooth approval.
Decorated tiles - Bovara - 2025
We 3D-scanned an ornate set of late 18th-to-19th-century decorated tiles, capturing every detail before their relocation. When preserving the original decorated roof proved impossible, our digital record provided the exact blueprint needed to reassemble them into a stunning wall feature. We bridge the gap between heritage preservation and modern design, turning historical constraints into creative solutions.
Don't stop your curiosity
If you wish to know more about the history of your property, don't hesitate to get in touch. Our analyses are speedy, non-invasive and mostly computer-based: no bureaucracy, holes in the ground or long on-site staying. Through a tailored strategy, we merge the most up-to-date archaeological approaches with archival research. To schedule a visit and discuss potential activities, please make use of the bottom below.