Archaeologists in southern Switzerland have uncovered the remains of a Roman settlement at Stramonte, in Ligornetto, revealing a substantial building, evidence of metalworking and traces of a fire that destroyed the complex during the 3rd century AD.

Excavations have been under way since June 2026 near Via Mastri, on a site intended for the construction of a new residential building. The investigation is being conducted by the Archaeological Service of Ticino’s Cultural Heritage Office and covers an area of approximately 500 square metres between Via Mastri and a stream running alongside present-day Via Passeggiata.

The earliest remains discovered so far date to the final decades BC and consist of traces of wooden structures. During the 2nd century AD, the area was levelled to allow the construction of a substantial masonry building facing a small road and forming part of a larger area used for agricultural and craft activities.

Archaeologists have so far identified six rooms within a structure approximately eight metres wide and at least 11 metres long. The building continues westwards beyond the limits of the excavation area.

On its southern side was a portico approximately three metres wide, while two rooms measuring around 16 and 20 square metres have been investigated at the rear of the building.

The structure underwent several alterations between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. New partition walls were constructed, while reused bricks and tiles were employed to create a platform in the portico.

The building appears to have met a dramatic end during the 3rd century AD, when a major fire caused its tiled roof to collapse. Archaeologists found abundant charcoal associated with the destruction, although the cause of the fire remains unknown.

The exact function of the building has yet to be determined. The absence of hearths and other installations associated with domestic life, however, suggests that it was probably not used as a residence.

Evidence from the area behind the building points instead to agricultural and craft activities. Archaeologists discovered postholes indicating the former presence of lightweight structures or shelters, as well as a small path constructed from reused bricks and tiles.

Particularly significant are the large quantities of iron slag and waste from bronze working found in layers dating to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. According to the archaeologists, the finds indicate that metalworking was taking place on a considerable scale somewhere in the immediate vicinity.

Among the finds from the site is also a bronze zoomorphic brooch, probably depicting a peacock and dating to the 2nd–3rd century AD.

The discovery adds to an already rich archaeological record in the Ligornetto area. Evidence indicates that the region was occupied from at least the 2nd century BC through the Roman period and into the Early Middle Ages.

During the Roman period, Ligornetto and the wider Mendrisiotto region lay within the sphere of influence of the urban centres of Como and Milan. Inscriptions previously discovered at Stabio and Ligornetto attest to local families connected with individuals who held important political offices in these cities.

The newly excavated settlement is also situated less than one kilometre from the Roman villa of San Pietro at Stabio. Other discoveries in the surrounding area include funerary remains, evidence of places of worship and numerous Lombard-period graves dating to the first half of the 7th century.

Excavations at Stramonte are expected to continue during the autumn of 2026. Researchers hope that the results will provide a clearer picture of Roman occupation and economic activity in the Mendrisiotto region.