San Basilio between Archaeology and Fossil Dunes

The archaeological settlement of San Basilio, the early Christian complex, and the Chiesetta di San Basilio tell the story of different periods; ceramics and a coin hoard broaden the view of the site's history. The fossil dunes of Sant’Ariano and the Isola d’Ariano add a landscape dimension. San Basilio is therefore particularly interesting for you if you wish to consider archaeological sites, sacred architectural history, and traces of the landscape together.

Archaeological layers from the settlement to the coin hoard

The archaeological settlement of San Basilio was established in the 6th century BC near the ancient coastline and had an international outlook. With the construction of the Via Annia in the 2nd century BC, San Basilio once again gained importance in connection with overland routes; its course was later followed by the Via Popilia. The early Christian complex of San Basilio includes a necropolis, a baptistery, and a church. The archaeological area also includes an early medieval cistern, associated with the reuse of the area for a new settlement.

The Centro Turistico Culturale San Basilio displays Greek, Daunian, and Venetic ceramics. The centre's coin hoard comprises 124 coins from the Republican period; the 124 silver denarii and quinarii have been preserved.

Sacred architectural phases brought to light

The medieval Chiesetta di San Basilio dates from the 9th–10th century. In the present-day Chiesetta di San Basilio, dating from the 18th century, a glass floor provides a view of earlier construction phases identified beneath the flooring.

Fossil dunes and island landscape

The fossil dunes of Sant’Ariano stretch between San Basilio and Grillara and bear witness to an ancient coastline. The surviving fossil dunes are protected as evidence of the past. The Isola d’Ariano is an island in the vicinity of San Basilio.

Destinations in the wider regional area

The Abbazia di Pomposa, a monastery, is located near San Basilio. In the wider regional area around San Basilio are the Palazzo Camerini, a palace, the Manifattura dei Marinati, a museum, and the Museo Della Nave Romana, also a museum. Also in the wider regional area are Spiaggia Libera Albarella, Spiaggia di Rosolina Mare, and Spiaggia Barricata; all three are beaches.

When choosing a hotel in San Basilio, you can focus your trip on these specific sites: the settlement, complex, Chiesette, ceramics, and coin hoard for culture; the fossil dunes and island for the landscape; and the monastery, palace, museums, and beaches for destinations in the wider regional area.

Other destinations

Other destinations for orientation: Stienta, Paviole, Frassinelle Polesine, Adria, Badia Polesine, Piano, Ariano Nel Polesine, Corbola.

To the main travel overview: Rovigo.