Ardea, Ancient commune in Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
Ardea is a commune in the Metropolitan City of Rome, situated about 35 kilometers south of the city between the Mediterranean coast and inland regions. The town is marked by remains of ancient structures and houses the Giacomo Manzù Museum displaying around 400 artworks.
The settlement emerged as a center of the Rutuli people in the 8th century BC and signed a significant treaty with Rome in 444 BC. This early relationship with the growing Roman power shaped its subsequent development.
The Romanesque Church of San Pietro Apostolo from the 12th century incorporates a former watchtower within its walls, reflecting how religious and defensive purposes were combined in medieval times. Walking through the town, you can see how this blend of spiritual and practical needs shaped local building traditions.
The Giacomo Manzù Museum is the main cultural destination, displaying an extensive art collection. The area enjoys good public transport connections to Rome, making it easy to reach from the capital.
The area contains four unidentified temples and sections of a basilica dating to around 100 BC, which remain visible among the ancient settlement remains. These overlooked archaeological sites offer insight into the religious and architectural complexity of the early Roman world.
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