Cuticchi: when construction work uncovers history
The role of Italferr between preventive archaeology and engineering
Enna, 16 December 2025
The remains of the Roman settlement of Cuticchi (Assoro), unearthed during work for the construction of the new Palermo-Catania-Messina railway line – one of ten strategic projects carried out by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, with the site supervision of Italferr, the engineering company of FS Group – were presented today during a press conference held in the Church of San Michele Arcangelo.
The event was attended by representatives of the local and regional governments, the local heritage preservation authorities and FS Group. Speakers included Salvatore Vanadia, PM High Capacity Infrastructure Sicily, and Francesca Frandi, Head of Italferr’s Archaeology Division, who illustrated the company's technical and methodological contribution, emphasising how the integration of engineering and preventive archaeology is now an integral part of major infrastructure projects.
In relation to the construction of the Palermo-Catania railway line, Italferr implemented a comprehensive preventive archaeology programme, integrating engineering expertise and advanced methodologies, applying rigorous protocols and cutting-edge technologies, to combine infrastructure development with the preservation of cultural heritage. The company carried over 250 archaeological surveys between 2020 and 2025, accompanied by geophysical prospecting, drone surveys and 3D reconstructions, making it possible to accurately identify and document archaeological contexts and minimising impact on the construction schedule.
The Cuticchi site (Enna), which emerged during the investigations carried out for the construction of Lot 5 Dittaino-Catenanuova, is one of the most significant discoveries made to date. It consists of a vast Roman settlement with complex structures, functional areas and a necropolis of about 170 burials, some of which are quite monumental. Over 38,000 square metres of extensive excavations and 25,000 square metres of geophysical surveys were carried out, allowing a detailed reconstruction of the site's organisation and the enhancement of the finds through innovative technologies.
