The Saint-Martin-de-Corléans Megalithic Area is an archaeological site that is considered of major importance for the study and knowledge of European prehistory and protohistory, located in Aosta, Italy.
The site contains megalith dolmen and cist tombs, oriented alignments of holes in wooden poles and anthropomorphic stele dating back to the Neolithic era through the Bronze Age.
The site was discovered in 1969 during the construction of condominiums. Given the historical significance of the site, the Aosta Valley Regional Government purchased it to ensure protection and proper archaeological excavation. In the early 2000s the Saint-Martin-de-Corléans Archaeological Museum and Park was built over the site.
References:Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.
The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.
These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.