Summer Archaeology Program
|
On-Site Study
The Field School consists of two courses (see below), one theoretical and one practical with daily work on the archaeological site. The program aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of up-to-date theories and methods of archaeological research and fieldwork as applied to the civilizations that shaped the history and culture of central Italy.
The program is conducted in conjunction with the Trasimeno Regional Archaeological Project (TRAP), a multi-faceted research program that aims to reconstruct the history of human occupation in the region of Castiglione del Lago. This project is a collaboration between the Umbra Institute, DePauw University (Greencastle, IN), and the Comune of Castiglione del Lago. Students who participate in the Field School are engaged in all aspects of the archaeological research, including excavation, documentation, scientific studies, digital modeling, and assisting with the installation of a new archaeological museum in Castiglione del Lago.
In addition to the fieldwork, there are classroom lectures and field trips. Students will also have the opportunity to travel in Central Italy as Castiglione del Lago is conveniently situated on the train line between Rome and Florence.
The overall goal of the archaeological campaign on the west side of Lago Trasimeno is to map the impact of human occupation in the territory from the prehistoric period to the early Middle Ages with particular attention to the transition that occurred in the 2nd century BC to the 2nd AD between the Etruscans and the Romans. Since 2015, the team has excavated three sites, including a luxury Roman villa in the countryside, a kiln site, and the current project on the south slope of Castiglione del Lago, which focuses on Etruscan structures and a Roman thermal complex.
Umbra Institute’s mission is to develop our students’ expertise in the full range of methods and processes employed in a complete archaeological project, from research design and preliminary survey of the territory to methods of data collection in the field and digging, to the cataloging and display of archaeological remains. By investigating the archaeological heritage of this landscape, our project provides an instructive example of how different civilizations built upon one another in the same geographic area.
Since 2023, the project has been excavating the Via Belvedere site on the south side of Castiglione del Lago, just below the Medieval city wall. Here we have discovered evidence of a Etruscan paved road and nearby structure. The pottery and other finds from that area suggest there may have been a sanctuary on the promontory, perhaps dating as early as the 6th century BC. After the Etruscan structure burned down, the Romans constructed a large complex supported by two massive stone and brick terrace walls. This building comprises a monumental fountain house and adjacent rooms consistent with a bath complex. In 2026, TRAP will continue excavations of both the Etruscan and Roman remains.
If this work sounds like an adventure to you, join us next summer to explore these exciting new discoveries and unearth the secrets that lie beneath as we travel back to the time of ancient Rome.
Curious about the site you’ll be excavating? Click here to explore its rich history.
Want to dive deeper into the Field School’s mission and past discoveries? Visit the official Trasimeno Archaeology Field School website.
Castiglione del Lago is a charming medieval town in Umbria, a popular summer destination, located on top of a small peninsula along the southwestern shores of Lake Trasimeno. A member of the prestigious I Borghi più Belli d’Italia Association (The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), Castiglione is situated between renowned historical cities, such as Orvieto, Chiusi, Arezzo, Cortona, and Perugia. All Field School participants will stay in Castiglione during the summer term, and given its proximity to Perugia, it is easily accessible by bus or train. Program participants live in modernly furnished studio apartments (1 or 2 students each) a short walk from the lakeshore, supermarkets, and all other important venues. All apartments include fully equipped kitchens.
In line with Umbra’s traditional focus on community engagement, field school participants will have the opportunity to enjoy day-to-day life as a local and experience the ambiance of an Italian town. A renowned summer location, Castiglione is an international venue for relaxing vacations, swimming, and sunbathing on its beaches, or for practicing a variety of sports: cycling, sailing, wind- and kite-surfing, and canoeing. The beautiful hills surrounding the area offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Bus and train services connect Castiglione to other cities, including Rome and Florence, making it easy to travel over weekends.
Field school participants will take part in a variety of excursions and educational field trips designed to enrich their understanding of the region’s history, archaeology, and cultural heritage. Day trips to the historic towns of Cortona, Arezzo, Orvieto, and Perugia will include visits to museums, archaeological sites, and important cultural landmarks. Participants will also explore the natural and historical landscape of Lake Trasimeno through ferry excursions to its islands and guided bicycle or e-bike tours around the lake, discovering the area’s rich history, local traditions, and scenic beauty while experiencing the region from a unique perspective.
The Trasimeno Archaeology Field School is run by the Umbra Institute in cooperation with the Archeological Superintendency of Umbria, the Comune of Castiglione del Lago, and the Archeological Research Intrageo. The Archaeological Field School is collaborative and aims to involve the community of Castiglione del Lago in a long-term relationship. As part of the project, students cooperate with the local archaeological museum to enhance its visibility and impact.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
To receive additional information or to be contacted by an Umbra representative, we welcome you to fill out the contact form on this page. Applying is easy. Just click the APPLY NOW button and your adventure begins!
CONTACT AN ADMISSIONS ADVISORAsk about field school scholarships and join over 90% of all participants who receive financial support!
Fee Includes:
The academic program (6-credits total), airport transfers, housing in a residential hotel in Castiglione del Lago, orientation and welcome dinner (at a local restaurant), Resident Director and site coordinator, help desk and 24-hour support/assistance, residential hotel facilities (BBQ, swimming pool, etc.), Umbra-sponsored cultural activities, select field trips, official transcript.
Program Fees do NOT Include:
Airfare, meals, lab fees, and personal expenses. Lab fees cover required field trips and excursions, museum entrance fees, and farewell dinner.
