Terni: Art, History and Nature in Umbria

Terni between Art, History and Nature

Terni combines an industrial past, art, Roman history and experiences in nature. At the CAOS cultural complex – Centro Arti Opificio Siri, the former SIRI chemical factory was reclaimed and redesigned to create a place where the history of the site connects with cultural themes. The Museo d’arte moderna e contemporanea “Aurelio De Felice” covers a broad range: its collection extends from late medieval art and artistic experiments of the 20th century to contemporary aesthetic positions.

Terni Art Mapping offers a special way to view art in Terni. The project connects works from the Museo “Aurelio De Felice” with artworks in Terni’s urban space. Thematic routes help you focus on different themes; at the same time, you can put together your own personal discovery route. This allows you to extend your museum visit mentally into the urban space without separating the individual artworks from their respective contexts.

The Museo Archeologico Claudia Giontella represents the pre-Roman and Roman past. It is divided into a pre-Roman and a Roman section and tells the story of Interamna Nahars, the Roman predecessor of present-day Terni. One of the notable remains from this period is the Roman amphitheatre, the most important surviving monument from the Roman era of the city of Terni, known as Interamna. Following restoration and redesign, it became a venue for theatre performances and cultural events.

The Basilica di San Valentino also combines sacred history with a specific point of reference in the city. It is located about two kilometres from the centre of Terni and stands on the site of an ancient Christian cemetery, which is considered one of the most significant examples of early Christian necropolises in Umbria. The Cammino di San Valentino also begins at the Basilica di San Valentino. If you are interested in religious history and pilgrimage routes, this starting point is a distinct aspect of a trip to Terni.

The Cascata delle Marmore creates a striking landscape feature. There, the Velino River drops over a 165-metre-high ledge into the Nera River below. At the same time, the waterfall is evidence of Roman hydraulic engineering: the Cascata delle Marmore was created in 271 BC to improve the drainage of the Velino. In the park, the “Tra acqua e natura” experience offers trails through the area where you can explore its history, flora and fauna.

Carsulae offers further historical perspectives; it probably originated towards the end of the 3rd century BC. The Paleolab looks even further back. It focuses on Umbria’s geological changes and the animals that inhabited the area up to 300,000 years ago. Thus, the range of attractions in and around Terni extends from Roman structures to very early landscapes and forms of life.

The regional surroundings also include the Parco regionale del Fiume Nera. Rowing, rafting and canoeing are available there. A local speciality that you can discover in Terni is Ciriole alla ternana: homemade long pasta made from water and flour, seasoned with garlic, olive oil and chilli pepper. If you would like to add another destination to your travel plans alongside the sights of Terni, you can also visit Trevi.

For the overarching travel overview: Terni.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Collicello, Orvieto Scalo, Monterivoso, Montoro, Guardea, Casigliano, Montegiove.