A few kilometres from Viterbo we find an extremely interesting archeological site: Ferento, initially an Etruscan settlement, then and an urban, political and commercial centre of Ancient Rome.
The town, in constant conflict with Viterbo, was destroyed in 1172 with false accusations of heresy.
We thus embark on a journey of over 2,000 years encompassing the times of the Ancient Etruscans, the Roman epoch and then the Middle Ages.
The site, discovered only at the beginning of the 20th century, extends over a vast area, of which most of an erstwhile town of 10,000 inhabitants in Roman times remains buried. It was a of great economic and strategic importance, as confirmed by an epigraph found there which hails it as “civitas splendidissima”.
The Roman Amphitheatre, built in the 1st century AD, is still perfectly intact and the remains of the Augustan forum and baths, dating from the Imperial Age, can be visited.
Our itinerary begins with a walk along the “decumanum” [east-west central road] that leads to what was the residential centre, as evidenced by the remains of a patrician dwelling, the “domus”, complete with “impluvium”[basin in atrium to collect rainwater].
Apart from these important remains, we can also visit a fascinating necropolis with Etruscan tumuli, Roman tombs and rediscovered Early Christian basilicas.
Most of the statues unearthed during the digs are housed in the room of the Museo Civico di Viterbo [Civic Museum of Viterbo] along with some other relics of enormous value.
The excellent condition of the theatre makes it an ideal venue for live shows and concerts in the summer in an enchanting architectural and natural setting.