The Archaeological Park of Altilia in Sepino is one of those places where time appears to have paused, inviting visitors to walk through centuries of history. Nestled at the foot of the Matese mountains, in the Tammaro Valley, this exceptional site preserves the layered traces of civilizations that once flourished here—from the Samnites to the Romans, up to the medieval period and beyond.
Passing through one of the four monumental gates—Porta Bojano, Porta Tammaro, Porta Benevento, or Porta Terravecchia—one enters a remarkably preserved Roman city, built in the 1st century BC over a preexisting Samnite settlement from the 4th century BC. The stone walls, still standing in many sections, reflect the Samnites’ defensive engineering, while the internal urban structure—the forum, basilica, baths, tabernae, theater, and decumanus—speaks to the elegance and order of Roman planning.
The Roman theater, still intact, could host up to 3,000 spectators and today is the stage for cultural events and historical reenactments. What makes Altilia truly unique is its seamless blend of past and present: in the 18th century, local farming families built homes among the ancient ruins, creating a living mosaic of ancient stones and rural life.
n 2021, the Italian Ministry of Culture officially established the Archaeological Park of Sepino-Altilia as a permanent national institution. The park encourages community engagement and offers inclusive experiences, educational programs, and guided tours for all ages. It is a place of study and inspiration, where archaeology merges with landscape, art meets history, and the past sheds light on the present.