Area archeologica del Palazzo dei Capitani
Urban archaeological area beneath the Palazzo dei Capitani, on the forum of ancient Asculum, viewed from a walkway suspended 1.80 m below street level.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The remains lie on the ground floor of the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, in the ancient Platea Maior, today Piazza del Popolo, where the decumanus maximus (today Corso Mazzini) meets the cardines of via del Trivio and via D'Ancaria. For over two thousand years this area was the forum of the city and the heart of Ascoli.
Excavations carried out in 1982, when the latest restoration of the palace began, revealed a complex sequence of buildings from the Roman Republican period to the present day, in which twelve different construction phases can be recognised, each with its own building methods and stonework.
The display includes a convenient perimeter walkway suspended over the excavations, which lie about 1.80 metres below street level, explanatory panels with historical reconstructions, an indication of the stratified materials and two display cases with pottery found on the spot. According to the municipality, it is the first and only example of a musealised urban archaeological area in the Marche.
The palace that houses it was built between the 13th and 14th centuries by joining three small buildings; on the via del Trivio side, Cola dell'Amatrice designed the façade with travertine portals in 1520. It served as the seat of the city's magistracies and of the papal governors and, from 1902, of the municipality.
Highlights
- Walkway suspended over the excavations 1.80 m below street level
- Twelve construction phases from the Roman Republican period
- Ancient forum of Asculum at the crossing of the decumanus maximus and the cardines
- Display cases with pottery found on site
- Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, 13th–14th century
Permanent exhibition
- Area archeologica musealizzata – Excavations of the forum of ancient Asculum visible from a suspended walkway, with historical reconstruction panels and two display cases of local pottery.
- Operated by
- Comune di Ascoli Piceno
- Visitors per year
- approx. 2,971
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
During the works, access to the archaeological area may be restricted or suspended: it is advisable to check with the municipality or the IAT office before visiting.
Kids & families
During the works, access to the archaeological area may be restricted or suspended: it is advisable to check with the municipality or the IAT office before visiting.
Getting there & parking
During the works, access to the archaeological area may be restricted or suspended: it is advisable to check with the municipality or the IAT office before visiting.
Amenities & dining
During the works, access to the archaeological area may be restricted or suspended: it is advisable to check with the municipality or the IAT office before visiting.
Events & venue rental
During the works, access to the archaeological area may be restricted or suspended: it is advisable to check with the municipality or the IAT office before visiting.
