The archaeological digs carried out in the area of the church and the monastery of San Nicola di Trullas have brought to light more than two hundred and sixty metal objects, that have been useful for understanding and reconstructing monastery life. Several nails have been found (figs. 1-2) that were used depending on size, by craftsmen, stable boys, blacksmiths or builders; the presence of fragments of scythes have allowed us to realise that the monks carried out agricultural activities, while finding horseshoes and donkey shoes confirmed the presence of animals used for transport and burden.

In addition to iron objects, bronze items have also been found mostly for locking drawers and trunks (fig. 3). Other bronze items have been found (oil lamps figs 4-5) as well as iron items (nails, knife blade) datable to the 14th century. Items were also found in similar contexts such as the castle of Monreale, Sardara (CA).

Fig. 1 - Type of nails found in the digs (photo from the Municipality of Semestene).

Fig. 2 - Type of nails found in the digs (photo from the Municipality of Semestene).

Fig. 3 - Bronze item from a wooden box (photo from the Municipality of Semestene).

Fig. 4 - Oil lamp (photo from the Municipality of Semestene).

Fig. 5 - Oil lamp (photo from the Municipality of Semestene).