During 2005 the excavations at Urvinum Hortense covered two separate areas, indicated as Trench A (opened in the years 1998-2004) and Trench B (2001-2204).
Along the eastern edge of the main road crossing the urban area, which follows the line of the watershed on the ridge occupied by the city, the excavation uncovered, almost in its entirety, a cistern complex. Along the western edge of the same road an outcrop of sandstone, eroded over time by cultivation and cut by a trench and a ditch filled with ancient material, were brought to light (Trench A). The presence of post -Classical artefacts suggests the cistern was in use or re-used in a late period: in fact, the fill contained many closed-form pottery vessels with handles used for carrying water.
Trench B, along the opposite side of the ridge, revealed the residential area. A building which appears to be a prestigious private domus with frescoed rooms is of particular interest. The plan of the house is not completely recognisable at present, however, it seems certain that the structure developed on several levels linked by stairways. The different widths of wall, the frequent renewals and blocked or obliterated annexes suggest that the complex was in use for a long period. The extension of the excavation to the north and west uncovered a well that had been dug previously. (MiBAC)