Local residents take part in an archaeological field survey organised by GIAP

On Saturday, 7 November 2026, members of the Landscape Archaeology Research Group (GIAP) at the Catalan Institute of Classical Archaeology (ICAC) organised an archaeological field survey open to residents of La Nou de Gaià (Tarragonès, Tarragona).

The activity was carried out as part of the four-year research project “La Nou de Gaià in Antiquity: Community Archaeology, Research and Dissemination”, which includes a range of knowledge transfer initiatives aimed at bringing archaeology closer to the public and encouraging local residents to respect and care for the municipality’s archaeological and historical heritage.

During the event, the research team explained what an intensive pedestrian surface survey involves, the methodology used and its importance for archaeological research. Following the theoretical introduction, participants had the opportunity to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice by surveying a vineyard.

The archaeological material recovered during the activity was catalogued and will be incorporated into the project’s database, contributing to a better understanding of the historical occupation of the area.

The event provided an opportunity to share knowledge and discover, through hands-on participation, a lesser-known aspect of archaeological research. This initiative also helped strengthen the connection between the local community and its surrounding heritage.

Field surveys will continue over the coming weeks**, with the aim of more precisely locating and further characterising the Roman villa of La Nou de Gaià (inventory no. 7025), as well as documenting the municipality’s historic routes and pathways.