Carsulae is an ancient Roman town and was located roughly between Terni (Interamna Nahars) and Narni (Narnia), not so far from Sangemini which is known for its water springs. The birth of Carsulae can be placed right after the creation of Via Flaminia, during the Romanisation process of Umbria which started around 300 B.C.
Today, Carsulae is an archaeological area open to visitors, with excavations still ongoing. The ruins were first discovered in the 16th century, but the first intensive and serious archaeological campaign occurred between 1951 and 1972. This campaign unearthed most of the buildings and monuments visible today, establishing Carsulae as a flourishing town during the Roman Republic and Empire, primarily as a trading center.
There is a small museum were the findings from the excavations are exposed, and is located at the entrance of the area. You can buy the tickets there.
The Via Flaminia
The main reason Carsulae was a thriving town was because it was built right on Via Flaminia. As you may know there is a saying in Italian that goes like “tutte le strade portano a Roma” (all roads will take you to Rome), meaning that no matter which road you take, you will eventually get to Rome.
Besides the philosophical meaning it highlights one of the main technological breakthrough that Romans introduced: roads. Many roads, that are still shaping Italy and Europe today.
One of the major roads that exits directly from Rome is Via Flaminia, which connects Rome to Rimini on the Adriatic Sea on eastern Italy. And it still does today, even though there have been many small deviations from the original path. Other main roads you may have heard of are Via Aurelia, Via Appia or Via Cassia.
The ancient path of Via Flaminia crosses Carsulae form south to north, where you can find the ruins of S. Damiano arch, the old entrance of the town, which originally was composed of three spans. Just outside the arch two massive funeral monuments of the Furii, an important family at the time.
Following along Via Flaminia we can find the old city forum, were the public life of the town took place, and you should imagine this as a square with porches on the sides and adorned with statues. The ones inside the museum were found in this area. In front of the forum lies the old basilica.
Next to the forum and the basilica there is a road perpendicular to the Flaminia which leads to the area of the town dedicated to the games, a very important piece of the Roman life. Here you can find the ruins of the amphitheater (just like the Colosseum in Rome) and the theater.
A quick note: Roman towns and cities were built around perpendicular roads crossing each other. The ones from north to south were called “cardo”, while the ones from east to west were called “decumano”. This is why something “cardinal” is something very important, like “two cardinal points”.
These are some of the main buildings, but there are many others you will find when you will visit Carsulae.
How to visit Carsulae
The archaeological site of Carsulae can be visited throughout the year but is closed on Mondays. The regular ticket is 5€. Each first Sunday of the month the entrance is free (still you should go to the ticket office to collect the free ticket). Also you can buy a combined ticket with the Marmore Falls for 12€.
As already mentioned Carsulae is not so far from Terni and Narni and you should park here. As usual please check the official website for any other update or info.
