Italy uncovers the only basilica attributed to Vitruvius in Fano

Archaeologists working in Fano, Italy, say they have unearthed a 2,000-year-old basilica identified from Vitruvius’s descriptions during redevelopment work at Piazza Andrea Costa. Officials described the find as historically significant and said investigations at the site will continue.

Archaeologists in Fano, in the Le Marche region of Italy, have uncovered the remains of a 2,000-year-old basilica during redevelopment work at Piazza Andrea Costa. Researchers identified the structure as matching the description given by the ancient architect Vitruvius. Vitruvius, who lived in the first century BC and authored De Architectura, is a foundational figure in classical architectural theory. Italian officials have described the discovery as historically important for the city and the study of Roman architecture. Key details: - The remains were found during excavations linked to redevelopment at Piazza Andrea Costa in Fano. - Archaeologists identified the building as the basilica Vitruvius described after finding columns that matched his written account. - The basilica is reported as the only structure definitively attributed to Marcus Vitruvius Pollonius. - Vitruvius’s De Architectura is the only complete ancient treatise on architecture to survive and influenced later artists and builders. - Officials said the finding could raise Fano’s profile and underscored the importance of conservation and archaeological research. Summary: Officials called the discovery historically significant and said it could bring renewed attention to Fano and the Le Marche region. Investigations at the construction site will continue to assess how much more of the basilica can be unearthed, and whether the site will be opened to the public is undetermined at this time.