Lombard Necropolis of Castel Trosino

History of the Lombard Necropolis of Castel Trosino

The discovery came in 1893, while the parish priest Emidio Amadio was having the land prepared to plant a vineyard. The job was given to Salvatore Pignoloni, in the Santo Stefano district. The tilling brought to light the first objects from a skeleton in a pit grave. The Ascoli engineer Giulio Gabrielli alerted the state authorities. The excavations were then carried out scientifically by Raniero Mengarelli and Professor Brizio.

The cemetery was used for about three generations, until the middle of the 7th century. Of the roughly 260 graves, 92 had no objects. In 34, precious work in glass, gold and silver was found. These are the origin of the name "Tesoro dei Longobardi" (Treasure of the Lombards).

What to see at the Lombard Necropolis of Castel Trosino

In the archaeological area the burials can be seen, and part of them can be visited. An equipped and signposted trail leads among the finds. Along the route there is also a representation of a Lombard funeral ceremony. The richest grave goods are not on site. Most of the finds are at the Museo dell'Alto Medioevo in Rome. Others are at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, in France. The Museo dell'Alto Medioevo of Ascoli Piceno displays the grave goods of two tombs, no. 90 and no. 115. The museum is housed in Malatesta Fort in Ascoli Piceno.

How to visit the Lombard Necropolis of Castel Trosino

The trail sign for the necropolis is opposite the parking area. The dirt path heads into the woods. A few minutes' walk is enough. There is a very steep descent, trickier in the rain, so suitable shoes are needed. Castel Trosino can easily be visited in half a day. Before going, it is best to check the access conditions for the site.

Where the Lombard Necropolis of Castel Trosino is

The necropolis is near the village of Castel Trosino, a frazione of the municipality of Ascoli Piceno. The village is a few kilometers from the city. To get there, follow the road that, after the Porta Cartara bridge, passes Borgo Cartaro. The village stands on a travertine cliff above the valley of the Castellano stream.

Near the Lombard Necropolis of Castel Trosino

The medieval village keeps its entrance gate and the remains of its walls. In the center of the village is the Casa di Re Manfrì, a stone building with a three-arched loggia. By tradition it was the home of Manfred, son of Frederick II. Below the village flows the spring of acqua salmacina, known since antiquity for its therapeutic properties. To round off the day, the page things to do in Ascoli Piceno suggests more stops in the city.