Attention!
Thinking about joining us? Ready to be part of an incredible experience? Don’t miss your chance—enrollment is open until May 8th ⏳
Only 1 spot left — grab it before it’s gone!
📩 Email us at aitabioarch@gmail.com to sign up or get more information.
✨ This is your moment—don’t let it pass you by!
After the fantastic success of last year’s season, the San Fiorano crypt excavation (Milan, Italy) is returning, and we would love for you to join us again for this truly unique field experience. This year, the crypt excavation will take place in two dates: from June 7th to June 13th (1 week), and from June 21 to July 5, 2026 (two consecutive weeks).
Important details
- Dates:
- June 7th - June 13th, 2026, 1 week - Full!
- June 21– July 5, 2026, 2 consecutive weeks* - only 3 spots left!
- Schedule: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM excavation & lab work (lunch break 12:30–1:00 PM), dinner at 8:00 PM. Sundays are free.
*these are booked as a full two-week program.
Why is this such a unique opportunity?
This remarkable crypt dates back to 1766 and boasts exceptional preservation due to its stable temperature and humidity. As a result, clothing, soft tissue, and even hair, nails, and brains have survived intact. This unique situation makes the excavation feel much more like a forensic investigation than traditional archaeology. The favorable conditions in the crypt allow for the discovery of many objects made from fabrics or leather, which are rarely found in archaeological contexts. It presents a rare opportunity to work in a setting that bridges bioarchaeology and forensic methods.
Why is this period so fascinating?
The mid-18th century was a time of major social and environmental change in Italy. Early industrialization, growing cities, and evolving hygiene practices reshaped daily life. By studying these remains, we have the chance to uncover evidence of historical diseases and living conditions, helping us better understand the lives of past communities.
Hands-on experience
This is a highly practical course, with most time spent excavating inside the crypt and analyzing remains in the lab. Because of the environment, some precautions are necessary:
- Protective gear (gloves, masks, suits) is mandatory
- Access requires climbing a ladder and wearing coverall suits at all times while enduring high levels of humidity. Therefore, a moderate level of physical fitness is necessary. It is not suitable for individuals with severe breathing problems or disabilities.
- The space is confined with one access point, so it is not suitable for those with severe claustrophobia
The price of the course includes the cost of teaching, general accommodation (Priest House, see details below), 3 meals per day**, and transport from Codogno to the site **The food on the free day, Sunday, June 28, is not included in the price. 1 week option (June 7th - June 13th, 2026) - FULL! :
2 consecutive week option (June 21st - July 5th, 2026) - 1 available spot!:
The participation fee for the field school in San Fiorano is higher than the usual AITA prices due to specific circumstances affecting this project. Unlike previous years, we are receiving financial support from the municipality just for the first week of excavation (June 7th - June 13th). For this reason, all operational costs and the second field School (June 21st - July 5th) must be fully covered by the project itself. In addition, this excavation requires a significantly higher amount of disposable protective equipment than typical AITA archaeological projects. This includes coverall suits, gloves, shoe covers, masks, and disinfection liquids, all of which contribute substantially to the overall expenses.
The total fee is usually divided into three installments and can be paid by bank transfer or PayPal. The deposit (first installment) is €300, and details for the remaining installments will be sent by email.
If you would like to join us, we would love to hear from you! Just follow these simple steps:
Due to current demand and the necessity of arranging accommodation and meals in advance, all payments are non-refundable. |
| Hurry up – Spots Are Limited! Don’t Miss This Opportunity! Email us at aitabioarch@gmail.com to reserve your spot! |
Cost Fee and Installments:
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Refund Policy