In the courtyard of the Collegio Borromeo, during work to widen a door and create a ramp for disabled access along the north-eastern side, an excavation was undertaken over an area of 6 × 4m to a depth of circa 50cm. This revealed imposing walls in cobbles and brick, levelled and unfortunately broken up by modern activity.
In this area stood the northern nave of the Romanesque basilica of S. Giovanni in Borgo, demolished in 1818.
Two structures, joined at a right angle, one with brick facing and a mortar and cobble core, the other in brick, had traces of plaster on their internal faces, an indication that these must have been visible. A trench dug in this corner showed that the walls went down to a deep level.
The position of these structures on the plan of the demolished church (which is partly covered by the Collegio) suggests that they were part of the bell-tower. (Rosanina Invernizzi)