Area archeologica della Guastuglia

The Guastuglia archaeological area preserves remains of Roman Iguvium, including residential buildings, roads and burials in the plain below Gubbio's medieval centre.

Why it matters

The remains show that Roman Gubbio extended beyond the medieval hilltop. Excavations have revealed a substantial residential district that developed around the ancient theatre and was used from the late Republic into late antiquity.

What to notice

The archaeological remains include domus, paved streets, bath-related structures and a necropolis. A farmhouse incorporated part of a Roman house with a black-and-white geometric floor; its central emblema depicting Ulysses and Scylla is now preserved in Perugia. The so-called Domus of the Banquet has a late antique mosaic showing a marine Venus and Bacchus. A circular mausoleum in the necropolis dates to the first century BC.

Context and history

Roman Iguvium expanded onto the plain south-west of the medieval town from the late second century BC. A residential quarter developed around the theatre during the Augustan period, with continued occupation into at least the fourth century AD. The seven bronze Iguvine Tables, found near the theatre in 1444, connect the area to Umbrian religious practice before Roman rule. Systematic excavation in Guastuglia is comparatively recent and remains ongoing.