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.
There are many fascinating places to visit belonging to other historical periods, many within natural paradises. In Scauri we find the “Torre dei Molini” from the 14th century, while 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.
Church of San Pietro Apostolo
The historic centre is connected to medieval tradition through the Baronial 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.
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.
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.