About 7km north of Avezzano, Abruzzo, lies the archaeological site, Alba Fucens in Abruzzo that was founded around 303BC. I arrived here on a misty Sunday morning with just a handful of tourists in sight. Signs from the township of Magliano de’ Marsi lead up to a small piazza with a striking old church – Chiesa di San Nicola (St Nicholas’ church). The current church was erected in 1936 reusing the remains of the ancient church. The rose window is from the 15th century.
Chiesa dii San Nicola Replica of the ancient city of Alba Fucens
In this piazza there is also a bar and several restaurants. The restaurant Le Antiche Mura is highly recommended and is a great spot for lunch. An information centre is also located within the piazza and contains a replica of how Alba Fucens would have looked around 303BC. You can also pick up a map of the site here and enquire about hiring a guide. From the information centre, follow signs down into the main site. Excavations of this site began in 1949 and continue today.
Alba Fucens was an important strategic centre for the Roman Republic as it was situated on a hill, in the centre of Italy. Alba was one of the largest colonies ever created in the Roman Republic, containing 6000 families. As an important ally of Rome, Alba sent 2000 men to help Rome fight against Hannibal in the 2nd Punic wars in 211BC. During this time Alba was also used as an internment camp – Perseo, the last king of Macedonia died here.
The town went into demise after the fall of the Roman Republic and then the end of the Roman Empire and further suffered due to Saracen raids in 11th century and destruction after an earthquake in 1915.
The ruins reminded me of a ‘piccolo’ Pompeii (a very small, small version!) with its town layout which included a commercial centre, market place, theatre, baths, a forum and temples. The imposing Monte Vellino acts as a magnificent backdrop and also reminded me of Mt Vesuvius.
Within the ruins you can also find the Santuario di Ercole (Hercules Sanctuary) – an area dedicated to the worship of Hercules. The statue of Hercules found within this site, is now housed in the Abruzzo National Museum in Chieti.
From the archaeological site, you can walk back up to the original starting point and you will find two paths leading up. The one of the far left will take you to the amphitheatre, and the other one will take you up to the old church.
The amphitheatre is striking. You can walk around the top and also within the grounds of the amphitheatre which still has excellent acoustics. It dates back to the first half of the 1st century AD. Above the main gate there is an inscription in latin which includes the name of Macrone who donated this building to the people of Alba Fucens. The mountains surrounding this area make the ruins even more impressive. They bear witness to the history lying in ruins at its feet.
The church of St Peter can be found further on the right. This church dates back to the 12th century but originally began its life as a temple dedicated to Apollo. The Benedictine monks later adapted the temple to a church and built an adjacent convent. It was restored following the partial collapse after the 1915 earthquake. There are great views here of the surrounding areas.
Just a 5 minute drive from the site, you can visit the Castello Orsini and Borgo Medioevale (the Orsini Castle and Medieval Town). It’s only a 5 minute walk up to the site. This is a must see as the mix of ruins of a medieval castle with surrounding mountains will never disappoint!
This truly is an archaeological jewel!
The Alba Fucens archaeological site is open everyday and is free. More information can be found here.
