“La Biagiola” International School of Archaeology (B.I.S.A.)

Location: Strada Provinciale Montebuono, 12, 58010 Sorano GR, Italy

Season: October 16, 2026 to August 6, 2027

Session Dates: The cost is €2200 for two weeks. The Fall School is taking place from OCTOBER 16th to OCTOBER 30th; Application Deadline 25/09/2026 the Winter School is taking place from FEBRUARY19th to March 5th; Application Deadline 29/01/2027 the Spring School is taking place from MAY 14th to MAY 28th; Application Deadline 23/04/2027 The Summer School is divided into two two-week shifts: July 9–23 and July 23–August 6. Applicants may choose to attend only the first shift, but not only the second shift. APPLICATION DEADLINE 18/06/2026

Application Deadline: June 18, 2027

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: http://www.culturaterritorio.org

Discount for AIA members: AIA members will get 10% reduction

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Associazione "Cultura e Territorio"; Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio (SABAP) per le Province di Siena, Grosseto e Arezzo; Comune di Sorano

Project Director:
Luca Mario Nejrotti, Ph.D.

Project Description:

B.I.S.A. “La Biagiola” International School of Archaeology — Seasonal Campaign 2026–2027 (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer)

The B.I.S.A. “La Biagiola” International School of Archaeology Seasonal Campaign 2026–2027 is a comprehensive and immersive two- or four-week program offering students direct experience in the investigation, documentation, interpretation, and protection of archaeological heritage spanning from Prehistory to the Renaissance.

This unique program allows participants to explore the complex archaeological landscapes of southern Tuscany through an innovative combination of traditional field archaeology and advanced digital technologies, with a strong focus on excavation, Landscape Archaeology, archaeological survey, 3D modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and archaeological communication, as well as mobile journalism when available.

The B.I.S.A. programs provide students with first-hand experience across the archaeological process, from fieldwork and documentation to interpretation and public communication.

During our seasonal sessions — two weeks in Fall, two weeks in Winter, two weeks in Spring, and four weeks in Summer — participants will have the opportunity to take part in the excavation of a medieval castle of outstanding historical significance, investigate and document archaeological sites throughout the Sorano area, and contribute to a broader program of Landscape Archaeology and salvage archaeology.

Depending on the season, research priorities, and field conditions, activities may include the continued investigation of Rocca Tédula; the study and documentation of a prehistoric and protohistoric rock-cut settlement; research at a multi-layered site featuring a Roman villa and a cemetery; and archaeological field surveys aimed at identifying, mapping, and recording sites and landscapes along the Fiora Valley and throughout the surrounding territory.

Particular attention will be devoted to archaeological evidence that remains unidentified, poorly documented, or potentially threatened by development, environmental processes, or other forms of landscape transformation. Students will therefore gain experience not only in research excavation but also in archaeological survey, rapid assessment, field recording, and salvage archaeology.

Participants will work alongside experienced archaeologists and fellow international students, taking part directly in archaeological fieldwork.

They will learn and apply current digital methods in the field, including architectural survey, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), photogrammetry, laser scanning, GIS, and 3D reconstruction.

The program is conducted in cooperation with the relevant cultural heritage authorities in Tuscany.

In addition to their archaeological experience, participants will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of archaeological sites, historic monuments, museums, cultural landscapes, and natural attractions throughout southern Tuscany.

The B.I.S.A. program is open to undergraduate and graduate students in archaeology, anthropology, history, art history, architecture, cultural heritage, museology, and related disciplines.

Featured Disciplines

Anthropology, Archaeology, Architectural Archaeology, Digital Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, Art History, Museology, and Archaeological Communication.

Coursework

Students will experience the principal aspects of archaeological field research and heritage work, including excavation, archaeological survey, Landscape Archaeology, Architectural Archaeology, burial archaeology, salvage archaeology, archaeological documentation, scientific analysis, GIS, 3D modeling, photogrammetry, SLAM technologies, laser scanning, open-source archaeological recording, and archaeological communication, as well as mobile journalism when available.

Coursework will also introduce students to the archaeology, history, landscapes, and material culture of southern Tuscany, from Prehistory through the Etruscan and Roman periods to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

The Rocca Tédula Project and the 2026–2027 Seasonal Campaign

Safeguarding archaeological heritage begins with thorough investigation, accurate documentation, and timely protection.

During the 2026–2027 campaign, we will continue working hand-in-hand with the local community at Rocca Tédula — a medieval castle first documented in the late 12th century and a historic symbol of Montevitozzo — while expanding the project into a broader archaeological investigation of the Sorano territory.

This ambitious public archaeology initiative combines excavation, Architectural Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, digital documentation, archaeological survey, and salvage archaeology. Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced survey and digital reconstruction methods while learning how archaeological research can respond both to scientific questions and to the practical needs of heritage protection.

At Rocca Tédula, participants will continue investigating the castle and its surrounding medieval village, examining military architecture, siege warfare, craft and domestic activities, settlement organization, and daily life within a fortified medieval community.

The 2026–2027 campaign will also extend beyond the castle itself. Archaeological surveys throughout the Sorano area will focus on identifying, digitally mapping, assessing, and documenting previously unknown or poorly recorded archaeological sites and landscapes ranging from Prehistory to the Renaissance.

Across its four complementary research projects, the 2026–2027 campaign will pursue three overarching objectives:

Rocca Tédula: excavation and digital documentation. Continued excavation of the fortified complex and surrounding medieval village, including the identification, mapping, and investigation of houses and ancillary buildings, together with the progressive development of an integrated digital twin combining laser scanning, photogrammetry, GIS, and archaeological data.

Landscape Archaeology and archaeological survey. Systematic investigation of the Sorano territory aimed at locating, mapping, documenting, and interpreting archaeological sites, structures, routes, and landscapes from Prehistory through the Etruscan and Roman periods to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, including evidence that has not previously been archaeologically recorded.

Salvage archaeology and heritage protection. Identification, assessment, rapid documentation, and, where appropriate, investigation of archaeological evidence threatened by development, environmental processes, erosion, or other forms of landscape transformation.

Specific research targets within the Rocca Tédula project will include the continued investigation of the building uncovered during the summer 2025 campaign, currently interpreted as being associated with craft activities; the identification and excavation of structures belonging to the walled medieval village; and further research into the location and archaeological context of the long-lost 12th-century Church of Santa Croce.

Through this integrated approach, we aim not only to investigate and protect Rocca Tédula but also to develop a broader understanding of the archaeological landscape of Sorano across the longue durée. By combining research, professional training, digital documentation, heritage protection, and community involvement, the campaign will contribute to safeguarding a still largely unexplored archaeological territory while strengthening a shared sense of stewardship and responsibility for its future.

Because the field school operates within one of the richest archaeological landscapes of southern Tuscany, several cultural excursions are planned. Destinations may include the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana, the Etruscan rock-cut roads known as the Vie Cave, the historic centers and museums of Sorano, Manciano, and Pitigliano, and other archaeological and cultural sites in the surrounding area.

Leisure activities are also an important part of the experience. Lake Bolsena, the thermal springs at Saturnia, local festivals, historic villages, and the natural landscapes of the Maremma offer participants numerous opportunities to discover and enjoy the region beyond archaeological fieldwork.

Period(s) of Occupation: Excavation: Middle Ages period. Survey: from Prehistory to Modern Era

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: The whole two weeks session in Fall, Winter, and Spring; two weeks in Summer

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: To participate in the field school, applicants are required to have completed at least one university-level course in archaeological methodology. However, we understand that some applicants may not meet this prerequisite. In such cases, applications will still be considered, but acceptance will be contingent upon the completion of supplementary courses at the beginning of the field school. The official language of the field school is English and no knowledge of Italian is required. However, Italian or French knowledge will be taken as an advantage.

Room and Board Arrangements:
The tuition includes both educational and room and board. Arrival and departure: students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Italy. The Master Class is taking place in the municipality of Sorano (GR), in the south of Tuscany, personnel are authorized to transport to and from the Pitigliano bus station. Accommodations: students will be accommodated in a modern facility in the Tuscan countryside, in triple-bed rooms with private bathrooms, close to the premises where communal activities and teaching will take place. The school house address is: Montebuono, 58010 Sorano GR Meals: lunch and dinner, consisting of typical Italian dishes, will be consumed at the accommodation (International School fee only includes water; all other drinks are not included). Breakfast (consisting of coffee, milk, tea or caffe latte and pastries) will be consumed at the accommodation. On Saturdays no dinner will be provided by staff. On Sunday no lunch will be provided by staff. Every effort will be made to accommodate students with food allergies (nuts, shellfish, etc.); students with food allergies are required to inform the staff of their specific dietary restrictions upon application. We also will try to accommodate individual lifestyles and dietary choices (e.g. vegetarianism) too: student must inform the staff of any special request upon application, no special dietary request after application will be taken in consideration. More info in the brochure and at www.culturaterritorio.org

Academic Credit:
To support students’ requests for academic credit from their home institutions, BISA will issue a signed certificate detailing the activities completed and the corresponding workload.