An unprecedented archaeological discovery has captured global attention in Oderzo, a commune located in the northeast of Italy. A team of local experts has managed to find the remains of a paleo-Christian church dating back 1,600 years. This fascinating discovery occurred right under the floor of an old fish market in the historic center of the well-known province of Treviso.
Discovery Under the Italian Fish Market
The excavation process began during the construction of a new residential project. Upon removing the top layers of soil, workers found ceramic fragments that alerted archaeologists. The discovered church is characterized by a rectangular structure, three naves, and an east-west orientation. Its dimensions reach approximately 23 meters wide and at least 30 meters long.
The western façade of this building has not been fully defined, possibly due to its destruction during the medieval era to open a canal. The eastern section, where the apse is believed to be, is still being excavated, keeping the research ongoing.
One of the most impressive aspects of this finding is the state of conservation of the polychrome mosaics. These mosaics, covering the site’s surface, show complex geometric designs from the Roman era. Additionally, monumental walls have been identified, reaching up to 3 meters deep and maintaining their rows intact.
Inside the religious complex, archaeologists discovered a sector of sacred burials. On the lower sides of the structure, four ancient tombs with remains of several individuals were found. Alongside the skeletons, fragments of amphorae, marble, and glass were discovered, adding significant historical value to the site. Currently, anthropologists are analyzing the DNA of the bones to determine their origin.
This discovery has been declared by local authorities as a crucial moment for Christian archaeology. The Oderzo Town Hall is in the process of developing a plan to preserve and open these ruins to the public. In the future, tourists will have the opportunity to explore the naves of this ancient basilica and admire the unearthed treasures, while the fish market will become an attractive underground museum.
If you are passionate about history and archaeology, this finding in Oderzo represents a unique window into Italy’s Christian past. To stay informed about fascinating discoveries like this, subscribe to the Weekend newsletter.
