Shaping the pre-alpine landscape: the proto-urban site of Spina Verde, Como (CO)

The site of Spina Verde in Como, Italy, is the prehistoric forerunner of the Roman and modern town, expanded during the Early Iron Age, reaching 150 hectares at its peak in the 5th century BC. The site, which serves as a case study, reveals the crucial role of terraces, roads, water management canals, wells, and dwellings in shaping the landscape. Recent LiDAR mapping in the Spina Verde Park area enabled the creation of a comprehensive map, enabling the analysis of 232 architectural elements out of 406. The analysis of this evidence involved identifying and positioning structural evidence, classifying construction techniques, and examining orientations and interdependencies of architectural elements. A detailed case study between Via Isonzo and Via D’Annunzio exemplifies the anthropic impact on the ancient landscape. This systematic work unveils the complexity of Spina Verde as a planned proto-urban settlement, which can serve as a reference for similar Alpine situations.