The imperial villa of Punta Eolo (Ventotene) between archaeological evidence and geological assets in a conservation perspective

Abstract

The island of Ventotene, part of the Pontine Archipelago, is home to the remains of an imperial Roman villa at Punta Eolo promontory, a site threatened by severe hydro-geological risks. Since 2023, this site has been a key focus of the EU-H2020 TRIQUETRA Project, which aims to analyze and mitigate environmental threats to cultural heritage. The research integrates geological and archaeological investigations, combining highresolution photogrammetry, geophysical surveys, and material analysis to assess the site’s conditions. Geological studies reveal a complex stratigraphy of lava and tuff formations, influencing coastal erosion and landslides, which endanger both the site and its historical structures. Archaeological surveys reassess the villa’s architectural evolution, identifying multiple construction phases and previously undocumented features. The project also evaluates material degradation, particularly in wall plasters, frescoes, and pavements, correlating deterioration patterns with environmental stressors. Through GIS-based mapping and laboratory testing of building materials, the study aims to develop tailored conservation strategies, ensuring the long-term safeguarding of this invaluable site. The TRIQUETRA Project represents a multidisciplinary effort to establish conservation models applicable to other heritage sites facing similar geological and climatic challenges.