Santa Severa, Medieval coastal village in Santa Marinella, Italy
Santa Severa is a coastal settlement in Santa Marinella featuring a medieval castle positioned right on the Mediterranean shore. The area spreads along an ancient coastal route and combines historical structures with modern residential buildings in a blend of old and new.
This location once housed the ancient port of Pyrgi, a key trading center for the Etruscan city of Caere. The port served as a connection between the Mediterranean and inland areas for centuries before a fortress was later built on the same ground.
The castle here houses a civic museum where you can see objects recovered from the sea and surrounding area. These items tell the story of traders and sailors who once worked these waters.
The location is easily reached by car via the coastal road with parking available near the castle. The best time to visit is outside peak season when crowds are smaller and the beaches are quieter.
In 1964, excavations uncovered three gold plates inscribed in both Phoenician and Etruscan script. These rare tablets stand as evidence of direct contact between these two ancient cultures during their trading interactions.
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