Discover Artena: History, Museums and Local Traditions

Artena can be explored through its distinctive buildings, collections and festivals. The restored Arco Borghese is considered a national monument and a symbol of Artena. It continues to welcome visitors entering the medieval historic centre.

Historic Centre and Archaeological Traces

The historic centre of Artena is inaccessible to motor vehicles. Narrow lanes and stone ramps characterise this area. Palazzo Borghese was originally built in the 13th century by the Counts of Segni. During its renovation, two existing parts of buildings were combined into a single structure.

The Parco Archeologico di Piano della Civita was initially the site of an important pre-Roman settlement and was later incorporated into the Roman sphere. By car, you can reach the Archaeological Park via the steep climb along Via del Santuario. The approach then continues across the plain near the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Letizie to Via del Piano della Civita and, after about two kilometres, to the destination.

Museums of History, Music and Rugby

The Granaio Borghese houses the Museo Civico Archeologico “Roger Lambrechts”, which preserves Roman and pre-Roman finds from the area. The museum holds archaeological finds dating from the Copper Age to the 8th or 9th century AD. The Granaio Borghese can be reached by car via Via Fleming.

Museikè houses a museum of traditional folk musical instruments and an extensive ethnographic archive. The Museo del Rugby Fango e Sudore displays 1,600 jerseys and a further 15,000 objects. It is accessible and easy for everyone to enter. Artena therefore offers a range of cultural attractions, from archaeology and everyday culture to the history of sport.

Churches and Local Routes

The Chiesa del Santo Rosario was officially consecrated on 29 September 1591. The Chiesa di Santo Stefano dates from the 11th century and has been remodelled several times, particularly after the bombing in May 1944. From Piazza della Vittoria, you can reach it on foot via the paved steps of Via Cavour; there is no access for people with disabilities. The present-day Chiesa di Santa Croce was built between 1659 and 1661. The statue of the Madonna delle Grazie is preserved in the Santuario di Santa Maria delle Letizie.

Palio, Viewpoint and Regional Cuisine

The lower open area of Villa Borghese hosts the Palio delle Contrade every year. The Palio takes place at the beginning of August and lasts ten days. During it, ten neighbourhoods compete with poems and songs in dialect. Visitors can take a seat on Big Bench 434 in Civita di Artena. Anyone wishing to fish in Lago La Torre needs a valid fishing licence.

Local cuisine is also part of the town’s character. Nocchiata Artenese is prepared during the Christmas season; it is a hazelnut brittle with honey, wrapped in bay leaves. Sagna e fagioli, Gnocchi longhi, Frascategli, Abbacchio and Frittata coi lupi are also associated with Artena as local dishes.

Other Destinations in the Same Region

Campo Jemini, Settecamini, Cervara Di Roma, Fonte Nuova, Torre Gaia, Castelverde, La Storta, Saracinesco

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