Discover Nepi: History, Water Engineering and the Via Amerina

Those who choose Nepi as a travel destination encounter a historical span ranging from prehistory through the Faliscan period and Roman connections to the Renaissance. Archaeological finds, water engineering, religious heritage, the fortress and the cathedral each highlight different aspects.

Archaeological History at the Museo civico archeologico di Nepi

The Museo civico archeologico di Nepi illustrates the development of the town and its territory from prehistory to the Renaissance through archaeological finds. Particularly significant are finds from Faliscan necropolises dating from the 7th to the 4th century BC. These necropolises surround the town; their finds make up a museum collection unique in Latium. This gives you access to Nepi’s history that does not begin with individual buildings, but encompasses the long development of the town and its surroundings.

The Acquedotto di Nepi and the Catacomba di S. Savinilla

The visible section of the Acquedotto di Nepi is 285 metres long, comprises 36 arches and reaches a maximum height of around 20 metres. The Acquedotto di Nepi continues to supply public fountains with water. This structure therefore shows Nepi both the scale of historical infrastructure and its continuing connection to public space.

The Catacomba di S. Savinilla, also known as the Catacomb of Santa Savinilla, is a historical site in the immediate vicinity of Nepi and dates from the 4th to the 5th century. It preserves painted and incised inscriptions as well as late antique and medieval frescoes. Its architecture is characterised by exceptionally broad and imposing galleries. This site therefore brings together several chronological layers and different forms of religious expression.

Forte dei Borgia and Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta

The Forte dei Borgia is Nepi’s main monument. It is associated with the prominent Catalan Borgia family. Its present form is the result of several successive layers, which bear witness to the town’s historical continuity. This connection is particularly revealing for understanding Nepi: the building does not represent just a single period of construction, but a form in which several historical layers come together.

The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta also refers to different periods. It stands on the site of an ancient Roman forum and was created through several renovations. Among its most valuable features are the crypt and the main altar with its decorations. Together with the Forte dei Borgia and the archaeological museum, the cathedral provides an independent way of accessing Nepi’s history, in which architectural history, religious spaces and older Roman connections stand side by side.

Palio dei Borgia and Via Amerina

The year 2026 marks the 30th edition of the Palio dei Borgia. The Palio includes the Giochi Popolari delle Quattro Contrade, in which the four Contrade compete against one another in traditional folk games.

If you would like to combine culture and physical activity, the fourth stage of the Via Amerina offers a clearly defined hiking connection: it leads from Nepi to Campagnano di Roma, is 15.2 km long and has a walking time of 5 hours and 30 minutes. The stage is therefore an independent planning component for travellers who would like to include a longer route in addition to the museum, fortress and cathedral.

Museum in the Surrounding Area

The OPERA BOSCO Museo di Arte nella Natura, a museum, is also located in the vicinity of Nepi.

Discover More Places

You can also discover Grotte Di Castro, Tuscania, Gallese, Celleno, Latera, Villa San Giovanni In Tuscia, San Martino Al Cimino and Graffignano.

For the overarching travel overview: Viterbo.