Aprilia: Squares, Art and Festivals amid History and Wine

Discover Aprilia through its squares, art, history and festivals. The Church of San Michele Arcangelo and Santa Maria Goretti, Piazza delle Erbe, the Mercatino delle Erbe and the “Evoluzione” sculpture each add a different accent. The Carano Garibaldi estate, Aprilia DOC and several events complete the picture.

Church and Squares in Aprilia

The central Church of San Michele Arcangelo and Santa Maria Goretti was one of the few buildings already in existence when Aprilia was inaugurated on 29 October 1937. After being destroyed by bombing during the Second World War, it was rebuilt in the post-war period. The church is accessible from Piazza Roma and Via dei Lauri.

The new Piazza delle Erbe was inaugurated on 25 April 2021 and is accessible from Piazza Roma, Via Rossetti and Via dei Garofani. The Mercatino delle Erbe is located on the site of the former Piazza delle Erbe in the founding town of Aprilia. The original market was shaped like a cloister: a portico covered by cross vaults and supported by pillars surrounded a square courtyard on all four sides, with a round travertine fountain in the centre. The piazza was created as a space for cultural activities and events connected with the founding towns. The recently renovated Mercatino is intended to accommodate not only the sale of products but also catering and cultural activities.

Sculpture and Historic Sites

The “Evoluzione” sculpture was placed on the fountain in Piazza Roma on 29 October 1997. It was the artist Umberto Mastroianni’s final work before his death on 25 February 1998. For those interested in art, this work adds a precise connection to art and the city’s history.

The Carano Garibaldi estate includes a historic cemetery from the Napoleonic era. The estate also contains the mausoleum of the Garibaldi family, where Menotti, the firstborn son of Giuseppe Garibaldi, is among those buried.

Festivals in September and October

The Feast of San Michele Arcangelo takes place on 29 September and includes musical, cultural and religious events. It ends with a traditional fireworks display. At the end of October, Aprilia hosts the Festa dell’Uva e del Vino. The Aprilia Film Festival takes place in October and combines music, dance, painting, photography, handicrafts and poetry. The range of events therefore extends from the religious festival in September to wine and various art forms in October.

Wine and Special Occasions

Aprilia DOC includes white, red and rosé wines, as well as Merlot. The Festa del Vino is considered an enogastronomic event centred on grapes and wine. During the historical re-enactment of Pope Innocent XII’s visit, the programme ends with a papal banquet, which you can attend by making a reservation in advance. When planning your trip to Aprilia, you can therefore choose between historic sites, squares, art, events and wine as different areas of focus.

Other destinations you can also visit include Borgo Faiti, Terracina, Ponza, Bassiano, Sezze, Borgo Grappa, La Torre and Campodimele.

For the higher-level travel overview: Latina.