Museo civico archeologico Oreste Nardini

About the museum

The oldest core of the collections comes from the locality of Fosso del Metabo and dates from 1881. The museum was opened in 1920 under the direction of engineer Oreste Nardini, honorary inspector of monuments and excavations, and grew over time through finds, donations and purchases by the municipality. The war caused serious losses; the prestige of the collection returned in 1955 with the discovery of the 2nd-century AD sarcophagus of Parian marble with the Labours of Hercules.

The seat is the Palazzo Comunale, begun in 1575 by Giacomo della Porta to a design by Vignola on the remains of a Roman building, and rebuilt to the original design after the bombing of the last war. Since December 2003 the spaces of the south-east wing of the basement have also housed the Museo civico di geopaleontologia e preistoria dei Colli Albani.

The collection includes stone material (cippi, sculptures, urns, inscriptions) and terracotta (architectural plaques, votives, domestic objects) from prehistory to the early Middle Ages, all from the territory of Velletri and nearby areas. Reopened on 17 November 2011 with new educational routes, the museum spreads over two floors in twelve sections, with bilingual panels for adults and an illustrated itinerary for children.

Highlights

• Sarcophagus of the Labours of Hercules, emblem of Velletri's archaeological heritage
• Lastra dell'Orante, a Christian funerary slab of the 4th century AD
• Volscian terracottas from the area of the SS. Stimmate
• Hall of sarcophagi with the Roman sarcophagus of the Civitana
• Itinerario Bimbi with games and quizzes

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione archeologica «Oreste Nardini» – Finds from prehistory to the early Middle Ages from Velletri and the surrounding area, including the Sarcophagus of the Labours of Hercules, the Lastra dell'Orante and the Volscian terracottas.

Founded

1920

Operated by

Comune di Velletri

Visitors per year

approx. 3,814

Admission & discounts

Admission is also free for tourist guides, teachers, ICOM members, journalists and on special days (ICOM Day, European Archaeology Days, 8 March for women, 31 December). Reductions apply on the occasion of town festivals and events.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the museum, the removal of architectural barriers makes both the ground floor and the mezzanine area accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The Itinerario Bimbi covers the same themes with illustrations, games and questions, with characters including an inspector and two children; educational services for schools are provided.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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