The history of archaeological surveys and their interpretations is a basic instrument of analysis for the knowledge of the ancient city, but also for the comprehension of the contemporary transformations of the town: urban archaeology is not only expression of an idea of archaeology, but a process which involves administrations, institutions and cultural milieux (architects, planners, engeneers). The studies about the area of the Castle (Palazzo Madama, in piazza Castello) began with the earliest archaeological experiences during XIX-century (Carlo Promis) and were continued by Alfredo d’Andrade (1884-1886: analysis for the restoration of the Castle); the latest studies are the stratigraphical surveys made during the ‘80s.