A walk through history into the Archaeological Park of Carsulae
The Umbrian territory is rich in important historical evidence dating back to the Roman Era and near the village of San Gemini there is the incredible Archaeological Park of Carsulae, where you can have an unforgettable walk through history.
Here, it is possible to admire the remains of the ancient town of Carsulae and walking along its streets, moving from the forum to the theatre or from the amphitheatre to the Twin Temples as the ancient Romans did.
Ready, then, for an incredible dip into history?
Discover everything about the Archaeological Park of Carsulae including the main information to plan your visit.
The characteristics of the Archaeological Park of Carsulae
The Archaeological Park of Carsulae, in the province of Terni, covers an area of about 20 hectares and includes the remains of the homonymous Roman city erected along the Via Flaminia, an important consular road built between 220 and 219 BC.
Within this archaeological park, it is possible to discover the urban structure of a Roman city and its main gathering places such as the amphitheatre, the forum and the temple.
Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to identify the intended use of all the archaeological evidences of Carsulae, but this makes its visit even more fascinating.
The history of Carsulae, between reality and legend
The town of Carsulae boasts a long and mysterious history, in fact, the reasons for its progressive abandonment have not yet been fully clarified.
Probably the first settlements of Carsulae date back to the tenth century BC but only during the Roman Era from the fourth century BC, thanks to the construction of the Via Flaminia, a consular road that connected North and South Italy, this town flourished and developed reaching considerable dimensions.
The golden age of Carsulae lasted until the III century AD, then the progressive loss of importance of the Via Flaminia and the attempts of conquest by the barbarian peoples favoured its decline.
The total abandonment of this town occurred during the Middle Ages, probably due to a terrible earthquake but there is no written testimony of this catastrophic event.
What you can admire into the Archaeological Park of Carsulae
During a visit to the Archaeological Park of Carsulae it is possible to admire:
- a stretch of the Via Flaminia, the consular road that determined the birth and decline of this town
- The thermal bath, a rectangular structure probably owned by a private
- The Church of San Damiano, a place of Christian worship built on the remains of a Roman building whose purpose has not yet been discovered
- The basilica, a building that served as a judicial tribunal and as a meeting room for the people.
- The forum, the main square of the city surrounded by buildings that housed administrative and political activities and by the Twin Temples.
- The Cistern used to collect rainwater
- The Arch of San Damiano indicating the northern entrance into the city of the Via Flaminia
- Funerary monuments belonging, probably, to important and rich exponents of the town
- The amphitheatre, built in a little valley in the west of Carsulae
- The theatre, built in the Time of Augustus before the Amphitheatre.
- The Twin Temples, two places of worship dedicated to Roman divinities that could not be identified with certainty
- The public buildings that housed administrative and government offices and presented some rooms decorated with marble walls and floors.
Useful information to plan the visit to the Archaeological Park of Carsulae
Discover many useful information and suggestions to plan a visit to the Archaeological Park of Carsulae to admire its extraordinary historical heritage.
How to reach the Archaeological Park of Carsulae
The archaeological park is located along the road of Carsoli in the province of Terni, at about 9 km from San Gemini.
Opening hours
The Archaeological Park of Carsulae is open from 8.30 to 19.30 from the last Sunday in March to the last Saturday in October, while from the last Sunday in October to the last Saturday in March is open only until 5.30 pm.
The ticket office ends its activity half an hour before the park closes.
Ticket rates
In order to access the Archaeological Park of Carsulae, it is necessary to pay an entrance ticket, only on the first Sunday of every month this area is accessible for free.
The full price ticket costs 5 euros while children and young up to 18 years pay only 2.5 euros.
Guided tours also in English and German
In order to better discover the important historical remains of the park, it is possible to book guided tours in Italian, English and German that take place at fixed times.
The guided tour last 1 hour and the price is 3 euros.
It is also possible to book private guided tours by paying a surcharge.
Services dedicated to families
Within the Visit and Documentation Center “U. Ciotti “has been set up a play area dedicated to children.