This season saw the start of excavations in the presbytery and apse areas in Cosenza cathedral. The research began with a topographic survey of the area and the positioning of the trial trenches in the apse, by two pillars adjoining the presbytery, at the “common grave”, and the presbytery area.
The excavations revealed a substantial amount of diverse archaeological remains, with a chronology ranging between the Hellenistic and post-medieval periods.
The find of the stone “block” with an inscription in red bearing the date 1886 was of considerable interest.
The inscription, datable to the period when Camillo Sorgente was the bishop, relates to one of the first restorations of the cathedral. In fact, an archive document shows that between 1886 and 1902, Pisanti instituted work to renew the foundations of the transverse nave at the point it meets the apses.

This chronology was also confirmed by the discovery of several clay pipes, in the proximity of the modern “bridles” constructed for the consolidation of the structure against the seismic events that have continually plagued Cosenza and its cathedral.
The substructure formed by small masonry vaults providing static reinforcement to the walls can also be attributed to the post-medieval period. Also present was a “communal grave” built of mortar, 3.48 × 2 m, which contained several individuals in secondary deposition and a few black rosary beads of various sizes.

The medieval phase was represented by the original apse and several patches of floor in opus signinum (make-up for the mosaic floor) and in terracotta tiles, by several patches of wall painting, walls, and pottery. The Roman, Hellenistic and late antique phases were represented with patches of opus tessellatum, pottery and glass artefacts. There was also a baptismal font dating to the late antique period.

The archaeological remains uncovered are of considerable aid to the understanding of the urban plan of Cosenza in various historical periods, and to a new interpretation and analysis of this imposing monument.