Minturnae, to explore the remains of an ancient Roman city and its monuments

Minturnae is an ancient Roman city located near the modern town of Minturno, in the province of Latina, Lazio, Italy. This archaeological site is steeped in history and offers a unique opportunity to explore the remains of an ancient Roman city and its monuments.

Characteristics of the archaeological site of Minturnae

• Forum: The heart of the Roman city was the forum, a central square surrounded by porticoes and public buildings. This was the place where commercial, political and social activities took place.
• Temple of Augustus: one of the most important monuments of Minturnae is the Temple of Augustus, a sacred building dedicated to the cult of the emperor. The attribution to him is due to the discovery in his vicinity of the statues depicting the emperor Augustus and his wife Livia.
• Theater: it is the best-known and best-preserved public building. It was used to stage theatrical performances and musical performances: it still hosts events and shows during the summer season.
• Baths: Like many Roman cities, Minturnae had bath complexes. The baths were places for meeting and relaxation, where citizens could enjoy baths and spa treatments.
• Via Appia Antica: Minturnae is crossed by a long original stretch of the Via Appia. The colony had been founded precisely to have military control over this very important communication route, which also became the reason for the enrichment of Minturnae. In fact, together with the port and the proximity of a navigable river, the Via Appia helped transform the colony into a very important commercial hub of the time.

How to visit the archaeological site of Minturnae

• Access: Minturno is easily accessible by car or train from Rome or other nearby cities. Once in Minturno, the archaeological site of Minturnae is well signposted and easily accessible.
• Hours and Tickets: Opening hours and ticket prices may vary, so it is advisable to check for up-to-date information before visiting.

Recommended period

The best time to visit the archaeological site of Minturnae is during the warmer months of spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the tourist flow may be less intense than in the summer high season. Avoiding the hottest days of summer may make your visit more enjoyable. Remember to bring water, a hat and sunscreen, especially if you are visiting during the summer months.

Photo by simone vinci by GoogleMaps.