Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Ancient settlement in Province of Caserta, Italy
Description
Santa Maria Capua Vetere is a commune in the Province of Caserta, located about 25 kilometers north of Naples on the Campanian plain. The settlement spreads over an area dotted with Roman ruins, including a large amphitheater and remnants of ancient roads.
History
The settlement began around 600 BC under Etruscan control as Capua and grew into one of the major Roman cities. After destruction by Saracen raiders in the 9th century, the center shifted to present-day Capua.
Culture
The town name preserves the memory of the ancient settlement and connects it to the nearby city of Capua. Visitors encounter traces of this Roman past when walking through the streets and seeing fragments of old structures beside modern buildings.
Practical
The commune is accessible by regional trains and road links from Naples, with the journey taking about half an hour. The amphitheater and other archaeological areas sit within walking distance from the train station.
Did you know?
The local amphitheater was the site where the gladiator Spartacus began his revolt in 73 BC, triggering one of the most famous uprisings in Roman history. The remains of this structure are among the best preserved in the Campania region.
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Roman amphitheatre of Santa Maria Capua Vetere
309 m
Royal Palace of Carditello
5.6 km
Santa Maria Capua Vetere Mithraeum
387 m
Archaeological Museum of ancient Capua
416 m
Mausoleum of the Conocchia
2.5 km
Santa Maria Capua Vetere Gladiator Museum
215 m
Arch of Hadrian
209 m
Teatro Garibaldi
624 m
Castello delle Pietre
4 kmAve Gratia Plena, Piedimonte Matese
4.1 km
Domus of Publius Confuleius Sabbio
504 m
Municipal Museum and Historical Archive of Santa Maria Capua Vetere
1.5 kmMuseo diocesano di Capua
4.1 kmCarriage Museum of Santa Maria Capua Vetere
1.6 km
Carceri Vecchie Roman Mausoleum
1.7 km
Teatro Ricciardi
4 km
Castellum Aquae
1.6 km
Museo archeologico antica Capua e Mitreo
425 mEtruscan furnace
1.5 km
Domus degli orti
1 kmCappella di San Bartolomeo
3.1 kmMura
3.7 kmMitreo e museo dei Gladiatori
378 mMitreo
378 mTeatro Storico Ricciardi
4 kmScenic viewpoint
3 kmScenic viewpoint
4 kmScenic viewpoint
3.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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