Medieval Quarter Unearthed in Jesi During Piazza Colocci Renovation

During renovation work for the paving of Piazza Colocci in Jesi, the birthplace of Frederick II, structures of a medieval quarter dating to the Stupor Mundi emperor's era have emerged. Excavations revealed house floors with carbonized wooden planks and hearths. Archaeologists hypothesize two main phases: 13th-century workshops later reused as foundations for the Palazzo del Comune, which was demolished to build Palazzo della Signoria, designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The clear cut at the current piazza level indicates a deliberate creation of open space to enhance the palace. Regional Superintendent Carlo Birrozzi noted the 15th-century city's desire to renew itself. For the first time in Marche archaeology, guided tours of the open excavation were organized by the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio delle Marche and the Comune di Jesi, attracting over 400 visitors. A digital reconstruction for a future archaeological museum is being considered.