ArcheoLogica Data 5.1/2025

The contribution discusses the scientific results of the different phases of the procedures applied for the preventive verification of the archaeological interest conducted by the Superintendency of Enna, under the scientific direction of Dr. Francesca Valbruzzi, for the construction of the Snam methane pipeline in the territories of Gagliano Castelferrato, Nicosia and Sperlinga. Dr Filippo Iannì conducted the preliminary archaeological investigations in collaboration with Dr Anna Maria Barberi and Dr Tiziana Fisichella, who followed and coordinated the test pits of phase 1, even before the submission of the project to the Via-Vas Commission when the planning was still in progress. It was, thus, possible to make a variant to the hypothesised route of the pipeline following the identification and delimitation of the area of archaeological interest in Contrada Ficilino. For further verification, however, sample tests were carried out along the chosen route in any case adjacent to the site. This resulted in the discovery of a furnace from the imperial age. Therefore, the pipeline was laid using trenchless technology underneath the furnace to preserve its integrity.