The Altilia di Sepino is a splendid testimony to the passage of the most ancient civilizations through the Molise region. During the first millennium BC, the entire area now known as Molise (and other areas of the neighboring regions of Campania and Abruzzo) was occupied by an Italic people divided into several tribes: the Samnites.
A particularly warlike people, the Samnites were among the main opponents of Roman expansion into central Italy. Since the Samnite society was rural, villages were small and lacked particularly important buildings.
The history of this people includes a great resistance to the expansionism of the Romans, a people much better prepared both militarily and economically. The last of the three Samnite Wars (290 BC) saw the definitive triumph of Rome, which continued its policy of expansion precisely against the Samnites, their main rivals.
There are many testimonies of the Romans' passage in the area where the Molise region now stands, and one of the most famous and still visible today is certainly ancient Altilia.
The archaeological park
Altilia di Sepino is a site of fundamental historical interest for the Molise region. In 2019, it was one of the most popular tourist destinations, with a total of 27.000 visits.
The site extends over 12 hectares and is located near a major road junction: the Pescasseroli-Candela sheep track, one of the longest in the entire ancient road network of southern Italy.
Entrance to the archaeological park is free, and can be accessed through four splendid gates: Porta bojano, door, door Tammaro, door Benevento and port terravecchiaThe streets of the ancient village follow the classic pattern adopted for the camps and villages of the Roman era: The Decumano It is the road that crosses the settlement from east to west, while the Thistle it crosses it from north to south.
Strolling along these two main streets, you can admire the remains of the ancient buildings of the peoples who once lived here. Ruins of ancient shops, fountains, columns, and thermal baths. But the symbolic building of the entire ancient city is undoubtedly the forumNumerous activities, both cultural and political, took place in this place, and were attended by large numbers of people.
Still visible today for a good part is the ,, a place where ancient Romans used to entertain themselves. Near the ancient theater, today stands the museum, which houses some of the most important discoveries made during the excavations.
Visiting Altilia di Sepino
The archaeological park is always open and admission is free. The museum costs between €1 and €3, and group reservations are available to participate in the various activities taking place within the area.
If you are interested in organizing a group visit, this link You can find all the contacts to best organize your excursion!
