Between September and October 2011 the Istituto Storico Germanico di Roma and the University of Trier excavated an area of the medieval town and bishop’s seat of Tertiveri (FG). Only the remains of an imposing tower-house were visible. The geophysical surveys undertaken between 2007-2010, indicated that the settlement covered an area of circa 7 hectares and also revealed the presence of the foundations of two churches. Based on geo-radar surveys and aerial photographs, the site and extension of the cathedral had been identified previously, as well as a fortification wall which started at the south-eastern corner of the church and was followed for a over 50 m by the geo-radar. The wall had a semicircular tower. The excavations aimed to establish the construction chronology for both complexes.

In a 9 × 7 m trench, the south-eastern corner of the cathedral was uncovered, situated just below the topsoil. Inside the building, only the remains of a beaten clay floor, probably dating to the period of its construction, and a wall on a north-south alignment were revea;ed. The outer face of the long southern wall was abutted by a more recent structure. This was 1.65 m wide and inside it was a carefully walled grave, 2 m long, 0.60 m wide and 1 m deep. The tomb contained five complete skeletons, placed one on top of the other, as well as skeletal remains belonging to at least five other individuals. Numerous burials were also present outside of this structure, including the graves of fetuses and infants placed up against the church walls. The fortification was the latest structure uncovered. About 1 m wide, it started at the structure containing the tomb and ran towards the east. The work for its construction appeared to have destroyed some of the earliest burials. Part of the skeletal remains, found during the building work, were reburied in a pit.