During restructuring work on the ex-Albergo Diurno Cobianchi archaeological investigations were undertaken, concentrated mainly in a what is called “room A”, divided into a north and south sector. Subsequently, excavation was carried out in two smaller rooms (rooms B and C).
A series of walled structures belonging to one or more buildings of Imperial and late Imperial date were documented.

Phase I
In “room A” numerous cuts were revealed relating to the abandonment/destruction of structures with wooden supports.

Phase II
A series of land reclamation operations were undertaken on the sub-surface including the placement of amphorae for drainage, cobbled surfaces and the putting down of layers of silt and gravel prior to the construction of a large building. Four rooms of the building, in cobbles and brick fragments bonded by a strong mortar, have been identified in “room A”, of which one is larger than the others and houses two small channels. The two adjacent rooms, which are long and narrow, seem to be linked to the main room by a small corridor. In the south zone the remains of a row of small rooms were found. The diversity of size and construction techniques of the walls suggests the two zones investigated were destined for different uses: in the north there appears to be a monumental building, perhaps public, in the south the more modest structures may be service rooms belonging to the latter or rooms belonging to a domus.

Phase III
In “room A” of phase II a new channel was created over the preceding ones. Immediately to the south what is probably an exedra was built (late antique period) in regular courses of cobbles and brick fragments bonded with strong mortar. In the southern zone the room from the previous phase was enlarged, creating a new room with a channel.

Phase IV
In “room A” the channels fell into disuse and wells, tanks and structures for the disposal of effluents were constructed. In the south zone brick pilasters, wells and cisterns are built. The data suggests that in the early medieval/medieval period this zone returned to being an open space, whilst the built up areas moved further south towards piazza Duomo. (Roberta Cavalli, Carla Pagani)