Campanarazzu, Archaeological site in Misterbianco, Italy.
Campanarazzu is an archaeological site in Misterbianco where an entire medieval town lies buried under 12 meters (39 feet) of volcanic basalt from Mount Etna's eruption. Excavations have uncovered residential structures, a chapel, and artifacts that show how the settlement was organized before being entombed by lava.
The original settlement of Misterbianco stood at this location until Mount Etna erupted in March 1669, covering the entire town in lava. This sudden burial preserved the structures and objects beneath the volcanic rock, allowing researchers today to study how people lived in medieval Sicily.
A Gothic chapel from the 13th century stands among the ruins with its distinctive blue and white majolica floor tiles, revealing how people worshipped before the disaster struck. The remains show glimpses of domestic life frozen in time by volcanic destruction.
A visit requires advance booking for guided tours, as the site operates only at specific times set by local authorities. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven ground and narrow passages as you walk through excavation areas and ancient structures.
Researchers used hydraulic hammers to break through solid volcanic rock, making this the first excavation ever conducted beneath a lava field. This unconventional technique allowed them to access an entire town that would otherwise have remained sealed underground.
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