Archaeology on Isola Comacina

Unearthing the Past: The Archaeological Treasures of Isola Comacina

The first significant excavations on Isola Comacina began in 1914, led by archaeologist Ugo Monneret, who first brought to light the remains of the Romanesque Basilica di Sant'Eufemia.

These early finds hinted at the immense historical wealth hidden beneath the island's soil. In 1958, a comprehensive archaeological campaign was launched under the direction of Luigi Mario Belloni.

This landmark research cycle was made possible through the collaboration of the Soprintendenza alle Antichità per la Lombardia and the dedicated efforts of Professor Mario Mirabella Roberti. The mission was clear: to systematically uncover the lost urban fabric of what was once a medieval stronghold.

The most significant archaeological finds on Isola Comacina

The results of the excavations surpassed all expectations. Between October 1958 and February 1959, researchers unearthed three distinct religious complexes across the island: the first at the site of the current Oratorio di San Giovanni (including a Battistero), a second on a terrace along the island's ridge (Santa Maria col Portico), and a third on the highest plateau, traditionally known as Il Castello (San Pietro in Castello).

A second campaign directed by Belloni in 1962 led to another remarkable discovery. Beneath the floor of the existing oratory, archaeologists revealed the foundations of a much older Romanesque church, proving that Isola Comacina served as a sacred center for over a millennium.