Pievefavera Archaeological Area (Caldarola)

The history of the Pievefavera Archaeological Area (Area archeologica di Pievefavera)

The first discoveries date back to 1883, when excavations in the Mercatale area, at the foot of the village on the right bank of the Chienti, brought to light finds and a tomb from the Roman period. Those finds strengthened the hypothesis of an ancient settlement called Faveria, which grew up at the base of the present village.

In the 1970s the physician Mazzanti and his wife Anna Cerruti recovered various materials on the lakeshore and in nearby fields, donated them and carried out an initial classification. Systematic excavation by the Soprintendenza (the state heritage authority) then investigated the Roman villa. The Antiquarium, set up in the mid-1990s in the southeast tower of the castle, was re-installed near the archaeological area and reopened on 5 and April 6, 2025, in a project promoted by the Comune di Caldarola and curated by the Soprintendenza.

What to see at the Pievefavera Archaeological Area

The area reveals the structures of the villa's pars rustica, the part used for farming and production. The Antiquarium displays the finds from the excavations and those recovered over time from the surrounding area, mostly everyday objects that mark the phases of the settlement's life.

The panels of the new display aim to make archaeology understandable to everyone, with special attention to young people and schools. Other finds are kept in the lapidarium set up in the polygonal tower of the walls of Pievefavera, next to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

How to visit the Pievefavera Archaeological Area

Opening days and visiting arrangements for the Antiquarium should be checked with the Comune di Caldarola before the visit. The museum visit is completed by the route through the excavations.

The area also hosts guided events: in June 2025, for the European Archaeology Days, the Archeoclub Marca di Camerino offered a walk with the archaeologist Enzo Catani, with free admission.

Where the Pievefavera Archaeological Area is located

The area is on the south shore of Lago di Caccamo, in the municipality of Caldarola, below the hill on which the castle of Pievefavera stands. From the archaeological site you climb to the village, home to the church of Santa Maria Assunta and the lapidarium.

Around the Pievefavera Archaeological Area

Lago di Caccamo, created as a reservoir on the Chienti, is visited by many species of birds; trails run along its shores and its waters are suited to fishing and canoeing.

On the other side of the lake stands the 14th-century castle of Croce, built of large squared stones: of the old fortress, the polygonal tower remains, later turned into the bell tower of the parish church, which holds works by Nobile da Lucca and the De Magistris.