Case Romane di Marettimo

Above Marettimo's village, the Case Romane archaeological complex brings together remains from Roman, early Christian and medieval periods. A Roman structure, a three-aisled basilica and a small chapel occupy the same plateau.

Why it matters

The site preserves a long sequence of occupation on an island known in antiquity as Iera, or the sacred island. Its buildings show how the plateau was used and re-used across centuries, from the Roman period through Byzantine Christianity and the medieval era.

What to notice

The rectangular Roman structure uses opus quasi reticulatum masonry, with small stones set in a net-like pattern. Nearby, remains of a three-aisled basilica have been interpreted as proto-Byzantine. An eleventh-century chapel associated with Basilian monks stands within the basilica's central nave. A row of upright stones between the chapel and Roman remains has prompted differing interpretations; excavators have identified them as part of a framework wall, while solar-alignment readings remain speculative.

Context and history

Archaeological evidence places occupation on the plateau from the late Republican period to the twelfth century. The Roman building has been interpreted by scholar Anna Maria Bisi as a residence for a guard detachment, though its exact function is not certain. Analysis dates the basilica and related structures broadly to the fifth and sixth centuries. The chapel belongs to the eleventh century. The name Le Case was used by settlers who came to Marettimo in the late eighteenth century; the archaeological label Case Romane arose later.