Visiting Minturno is a journey back in time in a fascinating natural environment. Close to the border with Campania, Minturno is located on a hill overlooking the two hamlets of Scauri and Marina di Minturno.
The Ponte Real Ferdinando inaugurated in 1832 – Photo @Italia.it
Along the Appian Way, the port of the town was located on the right bank of the Garigliano river, still crossed today by the ancient Real Ferdinando bridge with iron chains. It is the first suspended bridge in Italy, built by the Bourbons in 1832 and now completely restored.
Minturno Amphitheatre
Minturno, of Auruncan and Roman origins, preserves the remains of the ancient town in the Archaeological area and the Antiquarium of Minturnae, a sight of great historical and monumental value. The vast archaeological area includes the oldest square-shaped settlement (castrum), from which the town developed. The remains of the walls are still preserved.
Theater in the Archaeological Area of Minturnae
A Roman colony in 296 BC, ancient Minturnae reached its maximum splendor in the 2nd century BC, as evidenced by temples, porticoes, baths, the forum, the macellum, the theatre and the amphitheatre. The majestic theatre, completely restored in the Augustan age, with the cavea, the stage and the orchestra, still accessible today, is the true symbol of the ancient Minturnae. The ancient theatre hosts a prestigious summer festival every year, inaugurated in 1960 by the actress Emma Gramatica with Euripides’ “The Trojan Women“.
The Archaeological and Antiquarium areas of Minturnae have been included in the Italia Svelata, viaggio nei luoghi della Cultura, by the Direzione Generale dei Musei Italiani.
Villa di Marco Emilio Scauro e Torre dei Molini – retedimorestorichelazio.it
There are many fascinating places to visit belonging to other historical periods, many within natural paradises. In Scauri, there is the 14th-century Torre dei Molini, which has now been converted into an event venue and can therefore be visited when the venue is open.
Along the routes within the Protected Area of Gianola and Monte di Scauri we can admire the remains of the Ausone town of Pirae and the Roman villa of the Consul Marco Emilio Scauro.
Villa di Marco Emilio Scauro e Torre dei Molini, interno – retedimorestorichelazio.it
The Villa of Marcus Aemilius Scaurus and the Torre dei Molini are part of the Network of Historic Residences in Lazio. Even the name “Scauri,” a hamlet of Minturno, derives from the name of the consul Marcus Aemilius Scaurus. He lived between 162 and 90 B.C. and was a princeps senatus and Roman politician associated with Gaius Marius and the Metelli family.
Villa di Marco Emilio Scauro e Torre dei Molini, giardino – retedimorestorichelazio.it
This seaside residential villa was once adorned with statues, pools, and porticoes, and produced wine for export. Today, it still features a double-arched doorway leading into a corridor decorated with wall paintings in the Third Pompeian style, as well as seven blind arches built in the “opera incerta” style or vaults dating from the 2nd–1st centuries B.C.
Area Sieci Scauri – retedimorestorichelazio.it
The “Sieci – Scauri Brickworks” has been out of operation since 1982, but the remains of the structure and the chimney are still visible when traveling along the Appian Way or the Scauri seaside promenade. Today, this example of industrial archaeology houses the headquarters of the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park, the Municipal Delegation, the Beach Delegation, the IAT Office, Avis, the Pro Loco Minturno, and the Senior Citizens’ Center. The plaza hosts events. The complex can only be viewed from the outside.
Church of San Pietro Apostolo
The historic centre is connected to medieval tradition through the Caracciolo Carafa Ducal Castle, where, among others, San Tommaso D’Aquino, Isabella Colonna and Giulia Gonzaga stayed. Among the most valuable buildings are the Church of San Pietro Apostolo, the Church of San Francesco built by the Caetani family in 1363 and the Church of the Annunziata, which also dates back to the 14th century.
Caracciolo Carafa Ducal Castle – retedimorestorichelazio.it
The Caracciolo Carafa Ducal Castle stands in Piazza Roma, featuring a cylindrical tower, a parapet walk, and an interior portico with pointed arches.
Castello Ducale Caracciolo Carafa, evento – retedimorestorichelazio.it
The castle appears to date back to the 9th century, but today it features a variety of architectural styles that have been layered over the centuries. A staircase leads to the grand Sala dei Baroni. The castle is open to visitors by appointment.
Minturno beach
Beautiful beaches stretch along the coast. Minturno Scauri has obtained the Blue Flag several years ago, a prestigious recognition for sustainable tourist locations.
Big Bench – Ig @bigbenchcommunityproject
The extraordinarily beautiful coastline can also be admired from a special vantage point: the Big Bench installed in 2025 on Monte d’Oro. Starting from the waterfront near Monte d’Oro in Scauri, simply follow the trail marked “Grande Panchina – Torre di Scauri”, which is accessible both on foot and by car. From here, the view stretches out over the Gulf of Gaeta and the hills surrounding Scauri.
Sagra delle Regne
In the second weekend of July, the Sagra delle Regne is celebrated in honour of the Vergine delle Grazie, the patron saint of the city. The festival was born in ancient times to celebrate the wheat harvest. The name ‘regne’, in fact, derives from ‘gremia’ a Latin term to indicate bundles corn ears. Folk groups and religious parades floating from the different districts are the highly evocative moments of the event.