Hidden within the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park near Nardò, Torre dell'Alto has quietly preserved millennia of human history beneath its Mediterranean scrubland. This open day offers a rare chance to walk alongside working archaeologists as they uncover the layered stories of communities that thrived here long before Rome was even imagined.
Where Ancient Footprints Meet Living Research
The site sits on a limestone terrace overlooking the Ionian coast, where prehistoric settlers found shelter, fresh water, and access to the sea. University of Bologna researchers have been methodically peeling back time here, and today they're opening their field notebooks to the public. You'll see the excavation trenches up close, handle replica tools, and hear first-hand how a single shard of pottery can rewrite centuries of settlement patterns.
The Prehistory Museum of Nardò curates the permanent collection of findings from Torre dell'Alto, but this event brings you to the source—the actual ground where discoveries happen. It's archaeology in motion, not behind glass.
What the Ground Reveals
The preliminary results being shared today span several prehistoric periods, tracing how successive cultures adapted to this coastal environment. Expect to learn about:
- Neolithic settlement patterns and evidence of early agriculture along the Ionian shore
- Bronze Age trade networks revealed through imported ceramics and tool materials
- Defensive structures that hint at later Iron Age territorial pressures
- Environmental archaeology showing how the coastline and vegetation have shifted over millennia
- Ongoing stratigraphic analysis that's rewriting the timeline of human presence in coastal Puglia
Beyond the Dig: Exploring Porto Selvaggio
The archaeological zone is embedded in one of Puglia's most spectacular protected areas. After the presentation, the park's network of trails beckons—pine forests give way to dramatic cliffs and hidden coves with water so clear you can count pebbles three meters down. The Torre dell'Alto itself, a 16th-century coastal watchtower, crowns the headland and offers sweeping views.
Nardò's historic center is just a short drive inland, where Baroque churches and pasticciotto bakeries await. Pairing this deep-time archaeological experience with the town's layered architectural history makes for a profoundly satisfying day of cultural exploration.
Practical Wisdom for Your Visit
Wear sturdy shoes—the paths around the excavation can be uneven, and you'll want to explore the wider park afterward. Bring sun protection; the coastal terrace has little shade. The event suits anyone curious about how we reconstruct the past, from seasoned history buffs to families looking to spark a child's wonder. Researchers are generous with their time and genuinely excited to share their work with non-specialists.
Arriving early gives you the best chance to ask detailed questions and examine finds before the crowd thickens. The park entrance is well-signed from Nardò, and parking is available near the trailhead.