The Collections and Artefacts of the Velia Archaeological Area
The storage rooms at Velia house, preserve, and support the study of archaeological finds uncovered at the site—both from past excavations and those conducted as part of the research programme run by the Paestum and Velia Archaeological Park (PAEVE). These spaces contain an impressive variety of artefacts, including domestic tools, ritual objects, architectural fragments, and items linked to craft production. Each object, with its detailed contextual information, helps build a broader picture of Velia’s social, economic, technological, and cultural history.
More than just repositories, these storage rooms are active research centres. Archaeologists, conservators, and other specialists work here to examine and interpret the finds. Their research not only deepens our historical knowledge but also contributes to scholarly publications in the field of archaeology.
The storage facilities are located across several different sites. At the park’s entrance, a dedicated pavilion receives material from ongoing excavations and includes a lab for initial conservation work. Just outside the archaeological area, a former railway tunnel—over 250 metres long and dating to the 19th century—has been transformed into a large-scale storage space. Built in solid brick with a pointed arch, the tunnel now holds the majority of Velia’s movable archaeological heritage and has itself become a site of cultural interest following a major refurbishment.
In addition, the Park uses rooms in Palazzo Ricci, a historic former noble residence in the centre of Ascea, to store finds from international excavation campaigns. This site also houses a laboratory for the study and analysis of archaeological materials.
Archaeology Diaries EP06: The Storage Gallery of Velia
The sixth episode of the Archaeology Diaries series explores the fascinating world behind the scenes at Velia’s main storage gallery. Here, a wide array of artefacts—spanning from the Greek to Roman periods—are kept under careful observation and preservation.
Each item is closely studied to assess its origin and condition, and many are prepared for inclusion in both temporary exhibitions and the park’s permanent museum displays. The gallery is a vital part of the park’s wider effort to safeguard and share the stories embedded in Velia’s ancient past.
I Parchi archeologici di Paestum e Velia sono un istituto del Ministero della Cultura dotato di autonomia speciale, iscritto dal 1998 nella lista del patrimonio mondiale UNESCO.
The Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia; an institute of the Ministry of Culture, with special autonomy and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
