THE ROMAN VILLA AT VALLELUNGA PRATAMENO

An extraordinary Roman domus of exceptional historical and scientific value has emerged during preventive archaeological investigations conducted by FS Engineering along the Lercara–Caltanissetta Xirbi section, part of the Palermo–Catania High-Speed line doubling project.

The discovery bears witness to the wealth and continuity of settlement across the territory traversed by the new infrastructure and confirms the integrated approach adopted by FS Engineering, which places the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage at the heart of the design phases. The excavation activities, currently underway and carried out in close coordination with the relevant Local Heritage Authorities, are yielding vital insights into the ancient history of the area, transforming the railway project into an opportunity to deepen our knowledge of and showcase the local archaeological landscape.

ENEOLITHIC NECROPOLIS AND DAUNIAN SETTLEMENT

An Eneolithic cremation necropolis and significant evidence of a Daunian settlement have emerged during preventive archaeological investigations conducted by FS Engineering for the new Naples–Bari rail link. The discovery was made during track-duplication works on the Bovino–Cervaro section at the Giardinetto site, located within the municipality of Orsara di Puglia in the province of Foggia.

The archaeological complex, comprising burial clusters and the remains of residential structures, represents an exceptionally significant resource for reconstructing the earliest phases of land occupation and its evolution over time. Conducted in close coordination with the relevant Local Heritage Authorities, these activities confirm FS Engineering’s integrated approach, which pairs major infrastructure delivery with the protection, understanding, and enhancement of cultural heritage, thereby transforming the railway project into an opportunity for historical research and insight for the regions traversed.

THE NECROPOLIS OF HIMERA, ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST SIGNIFICANT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

One of the most consequential archaeological excavations in Europe was carried out during track-duplication works for the Fiumetorto–Cefalù–Ogliastrillo section of the Palermo–Messina line, which entered service in 2017. Over 20,000 archaeological artefacts were unearthed during the investigations, presenting a picture of exceptional historical and scientific value tied to the necropolis of the ancient city of Himera.

The excavation activities were conducted under the construction supervision of FS Engineering, working in close coordination with the relevant Local Heritage Authorities. This integrated approach successfully balanced the delivery of the rail infrastructure with the protection, study, and enhancement of an extraordinarily important archaeological heritage. It stands as an emblematic project, demonstrating how major works can be transformed into a unique opportunity to expand our knowledge of and deepen historical insight into the regions they traverse.

SANCTUARY OF PONTE

An important sanctuary dating to the Hellenistic-Roman period, characterised by an extraordinary concentration of votive offerings, has been discovered in the municipality of Ponte, in the province of Benevento. The find was made during preventive archaeological investigations conducted by FS Engineering as part of track-duplication works on the Telese–Vitulano section of the new Naples–Bari HS/HC line.

The archaeological complex presents a picture of immense historical and religious importance. The unearthed artefacts include depictions of deities associated with initiation rites, statuettes of young female devotees and warriors, a terracotta model of a miniature temple designed for collecting offerings, anatomical ex-votos, small bronzes, coins, pottery lamps, and ceramics.

The discovery bears witness to the religious site's central role as a place of worship and ritual gathering, and confirms the integrated approach adopted by FS Engineering, which recognizes archaeology as a strategic asset in the design process. From this perspective, the railway project becomes a concrete opportunity for understanding, protecting, and enhancing the archaeological heritage of the regions traversed, working in close coordination with the relevant Local Heritage Authorities.

IMPERIAL ROMAN SETTLEMENT

A vast necropolis dating to the Roman Imperial period, situated on a hill overlooking the Dittaino River—known as Chrysas in ancient times—has been identified during preventive archaeological investigations conducted by FS Engineering along the Palomba–Catenanuova section of the Palermo–Catania rail link.

The discovery comprises a significant cluster of monumental burials, which unequivocally attest to the high level of wealth and the socio-economic importance of the ancient settlement that emerged in the area. The excavation, currently underway and conducted in close coordination with the relevant Local Heritage Authorities, are yielding valuable data for reconstructing the settlement and the contemporary landscape setting.

The intervention confirms the integrated approach adopted by FS Engineering, which combines the delivery of rail infrastructure with the protection, understanding, and enhancement of cultural heritage, thereby transforming the railway project into an opportunity for historical and cultural research for the regions traversed.