Archeopopulonia summer school 2026
Do you want to discover Roman archaeology up close,
working on a real excavation, with a team of experts
and in one of the most evocative landscapes
of Tuscany?
Summer 2026 is the right time!
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The ArcheoPopulonia Summer School begins:
four weeks of intensive training
between June and July, dedicated to excavation, study
and enhancement of an archaeological site
unique in its kind.
A unique experience
A one-of-a-kind archaeological site
You will take part in the excavation of a Roman thermal complex, located on the Acropolis of Populonia, within the Val di Cornia Archaeological Park.
But the experience will not be limited to excavation activities alone: the program also includes moments of theoretical and practical training, with workshops and lessons dedicated to excavation methodologies, stratigraphic documentation, and techniques for analyzing and interpreting contexts.
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You will have the opportunity to acquire field skills specific to stratigraphic archaeology, working directly on Roman materials and structures and facing the real challenges of archaeological research.
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In addition to excavation, the program includes guided visits to some of the main sites in the area, within the Archaeological Park of Populonia and the Val di Cornia, to provide a broader view of the historical and environmental context in which the activities take place.
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All phases of the school will be supervised by archaeologists and professors involved in the official research project of the University of Pisa on the Acropolis of Populonia.
The educational and scientific context is designed to ensure a high-level learning experience, in direct contact with field research.
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The ArcheoPopulonia Summer School is the ideal opportunity for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of Roman archaeology, live a concrete practical experience, and train by working on-site within a real excavation project: if you want to challenge yourself, truly learn in the field, and grow scientifically and professionally, ArcheoPopulonia Summer School is waiting for you!
Objectives
Participants will learn the application of stratigraphic excavation methodologies and the analysis of artifacts. One of the main objectives is to deepen students’ understanding of Roman contexts in ancient Etruria, through both fieldwork and integrated lessons.
The program also aims to develop critical thinking and interpretative skills in relation to archaeological evidence.
By working on a well-documented Roman site, students will gain knowledge of the historical and cultural transformation processes of Etruria in the Roman period.
Additional objectives include promoting collaborative work, adopting professional standards in field archaeology, and encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to the study of ancient societies.
Excavation site
The Summer School takes place in the breathtaking setting of Populonia, an ancient Etruscan and later Roman city, located on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Baratti and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.
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Nestled within the Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park, the site is at short distance from Pisa, Florence, and Siena.
Duration and sessions
The duration of each Summer School session is two weeks (12 days).
For the 2026 edition, two separate sessions are scheduled:
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1st session: June 8 to 19, 2026;
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2nd session: June 22 to July 3, 2026.
Both sessions offer the same training program and provide participants with an intensive field experience, combined with theoretical and laboratory activities, as well as guided visits to sites of historical and archaeological interest, all within a unique historical, scenic, and cultural setting.
ECTS
Participation in the Summer School allows for the possibility of earning university credits (ECTS), up to a maximum of 3.
The exact number of credits and the validation procedures depend on the regulations of the home university; therefore, interested students are advised to check in advance with their academic office or contact person.
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All participants will, in any case, receive a certificate of participation, useful for university credit recognition or to enhance their curriculum.
Requirements
The Summer School is open to university students and graduates in bachelor’s and master’s programs in cultural heritage, archaeology, or related disciplines.
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The program is designed to welcome participants with a specific interest in archaeological research and field practice, offering a learning experience suitable both for those building their academic path and for those wishing to deepen their skills in an operational and scientific context.
Previous experiences
No prior experience in archaeological excavation is required to participate in the Summer School.
The program is designed to welcome both students with their first experiences in archaeology and participants with more advanced training, ensuring that each person follows a learning path appropriate to their starting level.
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Activities are led by professional archaeologists, who will guide participants step by step, providing the theoretical and practical skills necessary to carry out fieldwork in a knowledgeable and safe manner.
Language
All teaching and excavation activities will be conducted in English, to promote a shared working environment among students and instructors from different backgrounds.
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Students will be welcomed in a context that supports full understanding and participation in all activities, also aided by specially prepared teaching materials, thus ensuring a complete and engaging learning experience.
Accommodation
For the entire duration of the Summer School, participants will be provided with comfortable accommodation equipped with all essential amenities.
Students will share multi-bed rooms in apartments with bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities.
Depending on the number and composition of participants, accommodation will be organized considering gender, to ensure comfort and respect for everyone. Single rooms are not available.
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The atmosphere will be friendly and set in a location that will make the experience even more special.
All participants will be asked to contribute to maintaining order and cleanliness in common areas and their own rooms, ensuring a pleasant and functional environment for everyone.
Meals
Meals are included and will be prepared taking into account the dietary needs of each participant, including allergies, intolerances, or personal preferences.
Meal times will be an integral part of the community life and shared experience of the Summer School. For this reason, participants will be asked to help with food preparation and tidying the kitchen after meals, in line with the spirit of collaboration and sharing that always accompanies fieldwork.
Clothing and equipment
To participate in excavation activities, it is recommended to bring comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor work, preferably durable and easy to wash.
It is also advisable to have a sun hat, a thermos water bottle, sunscreen, and other items useful for personal protection during outdoor activities, such as insect repellent and after-bite lotion.
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The use of safety shoes with reinforced toes is mandatory, and each participant must provide their own.
Basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – such as work gloves and protective glasses – will be provided directly by the organization.
Adverse
weather
In case of adverse weather conditions, the Summer School program is structured to ensure the continuity of activities.
Outdoor excavation sessions can continue in light rain, while if conditions do not allow, alternative indoor activities are planned, such as theoretical lessons, practical workshops, or sessions focused on materials and documentation techniques.
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Some visits to museums and archaeological sites are already included in the program; however, in the event of prolonged bad weather, additional guided visits to indoor locations may be scheduled, ensuring the smooth running of the training activities even without fieldwork.
Meeting point
The meeting point is set at Campiglia Marittima train station on the day before the chosen session begins (June 7, 2026 for the 1st session – June 21 for the 2nd session).
From there, a welcome and transfer service will be organized to take participants to the accommodation within the Archaeological Park.
Fees
Participation in the Summer School requires a registration fee and a cost coverage fee, which fully cover teaching activities, logistical services, and organizational expenses.
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• Registration fee: €1000
Includes participation in all teaching and practical activities, teaching materials, insurance coverage, and provision of basic PPE (work gloves, masks, protective glasses).
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• Cost coverage: €1000
Includes:
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Accommodation in comfortable shared apartments, with multi-bed rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry service
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Daily meals
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Transport to/from accommodation on arrival and departure days
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Daily transfers to the excavation site
Travel costs from home to the meeting point and back are not included and must be covered by each participant independently.
Registration Procedure
For complete and up-to-date information on the registration procedure, please refer to the official website of the University of Pisa, on the page dedicated to the ArcheoPopulonia Summer School.
Information and support
For students participating in the Summer School, an informational and logistical support service will be available, which they can contact at any time to clarify doubts or request assistance.
The organizing team will be happy to provide all necessary information and offer practical help wherever possible, to facilitate their arrival, stay, and participation in the Summer School, ensuring a smooth and well-organized experience.
For any information, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
