There are many documents and stories about the origin of Terracina.
The story tells of a group of Spartan exiles who fled from their country, and landed on the coast of the Tyrrhenian sea where they founded their village.
They maintained their original habits and customs, such as not serving their guests on a set table but on the bare soil. Hence the name of the city Terra (ground) – cena (dinner), transforming itself in time into Terracina.
The historic centre of Terracina rises on two modest hills facing the sea: the lower one was the original village, while on the higher one, named the San Francesco hill, the Acropolis was established.
After conquering the city in 406 AD, it was primarily the Romans who determined the whole social, economic and urban layout, which still exists today.
In 312 BC, the city was crossed by the Via Appia which, by connecting Rome with Capua, constituted a fundamental military and commercial thoroughfare into the wealthy Southern area of the Peninsula.
Thanks to the Appia, that permitted a fast connection with Rome, and the presence of the port, the importance of Terracina grew: the city became a remarkable agricultural centre because of the intensive use of the fertile valleys to the West, and the lower part near the sea began to expand.
What to see: Porta Romana, construction of old Appia, Porta Maggio, the Gothic Mediaeval Domus in Corso A. Garibaldi, the Foro Emiliano with Roman and Medieval monuments nearby, the Acropolis of San Francesco.
How to get there: you can get to Terracina (LT) by the Via Appia Nuova from Rome or from Naples or by the Via Pontina from Rome.
Starting point and arrival: Porta Romana – Acropolis of San Francesco.
When: on reservation (for groups) or according to the seasonal calendar published on the website of the Municipality of Terracina (www.comune.terracina.lt.it) or on the Facebook page of the Archeoclub of Terracina (www.facebook.com/ArcheoclubTerracina )
For more information and reservations: Archeoclub d’Italia, Terracina Head office mobile: 329 1559521; e-mail: win1196@libero.it