Discover Teramo: Ancient History, Cathedral and River Landscape

Teramo combines archaeological sites, sacred architecture, contemporary culture and an urban river landscape. If you are looking for a city with several historical layers for your trip to Italy, here you can combine Roman houses, burial grounds, medieval monuments and cultural spaces. The city also offers various opportunities for walks and a varied daily itinerary.

Roman Traces and Archaeological Sites

The Sito Archeologico del Teatro romano was probably built in the early imperial period under Augustus and was partially rediscovered and restored from 1926 onwards. It is currently closed due to enhancement and restoration work. The Area Archeologica di Madonna della Cona offers another historical perspective: its extensive burial ground was used from the 9th century BC until the 3rd century AD. The site also includes circular stone burial monuments of the Campovalano type with rich grave goods, dating from the 9th to the 6th century BC. The Area Archeologica di Madonna della Cona is open on request; contacting the site is required for information and reservations.

At the Domus del Leone, you can gain an insight into a Roman house: it is located in the basement of Palazzo Savini and dates to the 1st century BC. The visible remains include an atrium used as a reception area and a tablinum used as a representational room. Particularly striking is the mosaic depicting a lion attacking a snake. At the Sito Archeologico di Largo Madonna delle Grazie, Republican buildings were incorporated during the Augustan period into a large domus with a central peristyle. From the 3rd century AD, this domus was converted into an industrial fullery, a fullonica for dyeing fabrics, which was used until the 5th century AD. This site is also currently closed due to restoration and enhancement work.

The Sito Archeologico di Largo Sant’Anna preserves the remains of a Roman domus dating from the end of the Republican period to the early imperial period, approximately the 1st century BC. Above them are the remains of the Cattedrale Sanctae Mariae Aprutiense. This location makes the connection between Roman urban history and later sacred architecture particularly clear.

Cathedral and Urban History

The Cathedral of Teramo dates back to the Middle Ages. After the destruction of Teramo in 1155–1156, Bishop Guido II began construction of the new cathedral; it was completed in 1176 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The portal was created and signed in 1332 by Deodato Romano of the Cosmatesque school. Beneath the main altar is the Paliotto, a masterpiece by Nicola da Gradiagrele. It was made between 1433 and 1448 on behalf of Giosia d’Acquaviva. For visitors interested in cultural history, Teramo therefore offers various layers of sacred art, from medieval architectural history to an outstanding work of craftsmanship.

The Museo Civico Archeologico “F. Savini” complements these sites with a chronological perspective. The tour on the ground floor traces Teramo’s history from protohistoric finds through Roman Interamnia Praetut(t)iorum, with its public and private buildings as well as extra-urban necropolises, to the Middle Ages. The medieval period is documented by finds from the Basilica Sancta Mariae Aprutiense. On the first floor, the tour covers the history of the Ager Praetut(t)ianus, the area inhabited by the Italic Pretuzi, which in Roman times constituted the territory administered by the Municipium Interamnia.

Contemporary Culture and Special Spaces

Teramo does not look only to the past. The L’Arca space in Largo San Matteo, inaugurated in October 2011, plans artistic and educational activities in the field of contemporary art and organizes temporary exhibitions. At times, L’Arca is made available to the public for exhibitions, conferences, meetings, seminars and book presentations, provided that these are compatible with the use of the facility. The Sala Ipogea is a 600-square-metre underground hall for cultural activities. The project “La Pinacoteca si ascolta” also offers an unusual approach to art: since November 2022, it has connected four exhibited works, one in each room, with specially composed soundscapes.

River Landscape for Activity and Recreation

Teramo’s urban side includes its urban river landscape with the Parco fluviale del Vezzola and the Lungofiume del Tordino. It combines natural and urban scenery and complements the archaeological and cultural themes with an open landscape setting. The Parco del Vezzola is equipped for games, sports and walks. This allows you to add outdoor activity to a cultural stay without leaving Teramo’s urban character out of your itinerary.

For planning purposes, Teramo therefore focuses on combining different interests: archaeology ranges from burial grounds and Roman domus to urban building phases, while the cathedral and museum continue the medieval and Roman history. L’Arca, the Sala Ipogea and the audible pinacoteca add contemporary accents. The riverside parks create a counterpoint with walks, games and sports. Depending on your interests, you can therefore shape your stay to focus more strongly on cultural history, art or time outdoors.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

Atri, Castilenti, Canzano, Cermignano, Tossicia, Mazzocco, Ornano Grande

For the higher-level travel overview: Teramo.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Excursions to the Valle del TOrdino and Teramo.