A Roman cistern has been recently (re)discovered by the IMPERO Project team during ongoing investigations. Positioned on a hilltop overlooking the modern road to Montalcino, the structure is remarkably well preserved, though its interior has been largely backfilled by a dense accumulation of rubble and debris.
The cisternโs perimeter walls are constructed from carefully cut rectangular stone blocks, solidly bonded with durable mortar. Its vaulted roof is coated with a thick layer of cocciopestoโa waterproof compound made of lime mortar mixed with crushed terracottaโdemonstrating advanced Roman engineering for water containment. Two openings at the top of the dome, likely added at a later stage, suggest subsequent reuse or maintenance access.
In the coming years, the IMPERO Project team will undertake a full architectural survey and planning of the structure, along with final measurements, as part of a broader effort to document and contextualize this key element of the ancient hydraulic system in the Ombrone Valley landscape.
Interconnected Mobility of People and Economy along the River Ombrone 