The “Castello del Motto” at Gravellona Toce (VB) is a fortified complex, mentioned for the first time in 1028, which occupies the summit of the hill of the same name (325 m a.s.l.). In 2014 and 2015, the site was cleaned and the surviving structures surveyed with the aim of beginning the topographical and chronological reconstruction of the fortified site. This season, the excavations aimed to define the plan and topography of the remains visible on the eastern plateau, to evaluate the potential of the stratigraphy present, and to improve the overall dating of the site. An excavation area (Area 1000) of about 40 m2 was opened in the central part of building M (characterised by the presence of a masonry-built threshold uncovered by recent illegal excavation) and the courtyard outside it.

The investigations documented the presence of seven phases linked to the occupation of the fortified structure and approximately datable to between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is important to note that the sparse archaeological material found (pottery, soapstone and metals), did not provide any precise dating evidence, but exclusively an outline chronology. Moreover, the excavation of the stratigraphic deposit present was not completed.

As the research stands, the earliest documented phase was the construction or restructuring of the outer curtain wall, which probably surrounded the entire summit of the Motto (13th century). The stratigraphic data relating to this phase is still scarce, but it is possible to suggest that there was an open-air courtyard on the eastern plateau. Subsequently, a quadrangular structure (M) was built abutting the curtain wall, in a zone from which it was probably easy to reach the hill summit. Further excavations provided evidence that places its construction and use sometime between the early and late medieval period. The excavation data suggests that it was roofed with imbrices, had more than one storey and was divided into adjacent rooms (a central one perhaps used as a service room; perhaps another used for craft working activities), which could be entered from an external terraced courtyard. Between the late medieval period and early modern era, following the collapse of the building, the area, and presumably the entire fortified complex, was abandoned and only occupied sporadically after that.

Completion of the excavation of the stratigraphic deposit in Area 1000 and the opening of new zones inside building M, together with the analysis of the standing remains and archaeological materials, will permit more precise dating of the identified phases. It will also provide more evidence about the construction development of the area (regarding both topography and function), as well as clarifying aspects of the site’s material culture. From a wider point of view, the conclusion of this work will provide new and fundamental data for the reconstruction of the history of the entire fortified complex.