You will have understood, we are a bit obsessed with archeology, also because we are passionate about finding ancient sites that can be visited in a wheelchair. And since this post-COVID-19 period has led us all to prefer Italian destinations, we dusted off our walk in Molise in 2014 in which we discovered the archaeological area of Altilia - Saepinum, where Altilia is the medieval name that was given to ancient Roman settlement of Saepinum. Some quick news taken from the MIBACT website; those interested in a more detailed study can consult this website: https://www.romanoimpero.com/2010/07/saepinum-sepino-molise.html An ancient Samnite center on the paths of transhumance, the city took on monumental forms in Roman times. The walls, the towers, the forum, the theater, the streets and the rural landscape that surrounds and interpenetrates the site make it one of the most beautiful places in Molise. The ancient center of Samnite origin was built near the Tammaro river as a place used for shelter and stopping the flocks. The city was located along the “Pescasseroli-Candela” sheep track and the road that, crossing the Matese mountain range, connected Campania to the Daunia. Conquered by the Romans in 293 BC, it was rebuilt in the imperial era and maintained its importance for a long time as a commercial center linked to pastoralism. Over the centuries, characteristic rural houses arose on its ruins. The most fascinating are those built on the steps of the ancient theater, following its hemicycle shape. Access to the archaeological area, through its wonderful gates (Porta Bojano, Porta Tammaro, Porta Benevento, Porta Terravecchia), allows you to observe the remains of the ancient towers and walls; it is possible to walk through the Decumano, on the sides of which there are artisan shops, fountains and thermal baths, or to see the extraordinary basilica, whose Doric-style columns open onto the forum, an ancient place for political-administrative functions. Let's move on to the images: here is the theater with the rural buildings, inside which there is a small museum which, as confirmed by the Regional Directorate of the Molise Museums, is not accessible to us:
the Decumano with the Porta Bojano:
the Baths and the city walls seen from the top of Porta Bojano (you can ask a guide to do it for you):
the city walls with a tower:
other structures of the Roman town:
the Basilica, having an administrative and legal function:
What else to tell you? Certainly our images will have warned you about the roughness of the ancient Roman pavement, which is not exactly therapeutic for our backs. But with due care and slowness, the path can be done, even if only partially, to get at least an idea of this well-preserved and historically very important site. Let us know your impressions, if you decide to go there, and tell us about some accessible restaurants that we did not look for at the time. Have a good trip!
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