Osteria Dell'osa: Discover Archaeology and History

If you are interested in early cultures, archaeological sites and the historical layers of Latium, Osteria dell'Osa offers unusually tangible points of reference. The Necropolis of Osteria dell'Osa and the Museum of the Early History of the Latin Peoples provide an introduction to the period before and during the development of the ancient centres in the area of Rome. In addition, the Archaeological Park of Gabii offers views of sanctuaries, public buildings and medieval traces.

The Necropolis of Osteria dell'Osa

The Necropolis of Osteria dell'Osa is located at kilometre 17.500 of Via Prenestina, on the western edge of the Castiglione crater. It dates from the 9th century to the beginning of the 6th century BC and is a complex of 600 cremation and inhumation burials. The combination of a long time span and different burial practices alone makes the site an important gateway to the region's early history.

Early History at the Museum

The Museum of the Early History of the Latin Peoples is located on the upper floor of the Michelangelo Cloister. It presents the development of Latium's culture from the end of the Bronze Age in the 11th century BC through the Iron Age to the Orientalising period, from the 10th century to the beginning of the 6th century BC. It also presents Osteria dell'Osa-Castiglione as one of the individual ancient centres in the area of Rome.

The collections include hut-shaped urns from the Necropolis of Osteria dell'Osa, as well as a vessel bearing an inscription from Tomb 482. An inscription incised into this vessel in Greek letters probably indicates a connection with contacts that existed before colonisation in the southern Tyrrhenian regions. For your visit, examining specific artefacts here is combined with a broader regional history.

The Archaeological Park of Gabii

The Archaeological Park of Gabii is located on Via Prenestina Nuova, kilometre 19.300, in Rome. The park is generally closed to the public; organised groups and/or school groups can visit it by making a mandatory reservation. The documented visiting arrangements are therefore an important part of your planning.

The park lies on the southern edge of a volcanic crater that was formerly occupied by a lake that has since been drained. The tour includes the Sanctuary of Juno Gabina, the forum excavated by Hamilton, and baths with black-and-white mosaics. The Tower of Castiglione and the remains of the Church of San Primitivo document medieval phases of Gabii.

Compare Historical Places Strategically

You should take the different road details for the necropolis and the Archaeological Park into account separately when finding your way. In terms of content, the sites complement each other through their different periods: Osteria dell'Osa focuses on the necropolis, burial culture and the early history of Latium, while Gabii additionally includes Roman buildings and medieval remains.

Other places you can compare for your trip to Italy include ManzianaManziana, CasalottiCasalotti, MarcellinaMarcellina, San Vito RomanoSan Vito Romano, Guidonia MontecelioGuidonia Montecelio, Olevano RomanoOlevano Romano, SaracinescoSaracinesco and FormelloFormello.

For the broader travel overview: Rome.