Explore the stunning archaeological area of Falerio Picenus and discover the authentic atmosphere of an ancient Roman city still alive in history.
In the heart of the Marche hills, in the enchanting territory of Falerone, the archaeological area of Falerio Picenus represents a gateway to a fascinating past, where history and archaeology intertwine in a millennia-old narrative.
In this place, the ancient colony that flourished under the sun of the Roman Empire is still alive and vibrant, telling stories that have left an indelible mark through artifacts that are not just simple stones but fragments of life, culture, and tradition.
Discovering Falerio Picenus means immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere, capable of reviving the ancient splendor and secrets of a captivating and surprising past, in an unforgettable journey into the heart of local history.
(Re)discovering the archaeological area of Falerio Picenus
Ruins of ancient temples, cisterns, a theater, an amphitheater, and even an imperial-era sarcophagus. The archaeological area of Falerio Picenus spans Via del Pozzo, just a few hundred meters from the village of Piane, and welcomes you with a unique atmosphere, between the tranquility of nature and the greenery of the surrounding hills.
You will feel as though you are stepping into a historical painting, where the noise of modernity fades away, leaving room for the whispers of a past that echoes through the remains of splendid monuments, once forgotten but now more alive than ever.
Walking among the ancient buildings, you will admire fragments of stone that tell the story of a rich, refined, and complex era, ready to transport you into the heart of a civilization that shaped not only centuries of architecture but also culture and spirituality.
In the end, you'll discover that the true magic of this unique place lies in the harmony between the peacefulness of the gentle Marche hills and the distant echo of daily life in ancient Falerio. It is as if these ruins jealously guard the secrets of a glorious era, ready to reveal them only to those who stop to listen.
Theater and amphitheater: between entertainment and culture
The journey through the archaeological area of Falerio Picenus begins at the Roman Theater, one of the most evocative and significant sites of both the ancient colony and modern town.
Step into the building’s area and envision yourself surrounded by 1,500 spectators seated in neat rows on the stone steps, eagerly watching theatrical performances or public celebrations within this stunning structure that showcases the ingenuity of the Romans.
The semi-circular cavea, perfect acoustics, and the imposing scenic structure, still partially visible, all contribute to making this place a true architectural masterpiece.
The theater is still excellently preserved today, although only two of the original three tiers remain, with a capacity of about 500 people.
After wandering among the ancient niches and arches, savoring an atmosphere filled with tranquility, serenity, and culture, leave the theater and head back to Via del Pozzo, then continue to the nearby Via dell’Anfiteatro Romano, which leads into the countryside near the ruins of the old amphitheater of Falerio Picenus.
Built in the second half of the 1st century AD, the amphitheater gradually reveals itself: only a few remnants of the perimeter wall emerge from the ground, but they are enough to suggest the grandeur of a structure that could host up to 5,000 people.
This site was dedicated to gladiatorial combat and the most popular spectacles, which typically took place from dawn until dusk in Roman civilization. The Roman amphitheater was, indeed, a vibrant space of life and entertainment.
It hosted thrilling events and served as an extraordinary example of engineering: often, secret rooms, animal cages, and service areas were concealed beneath the arena, showcasing architectural versatility like no other.
In the heart of the archaeological area of Falerio Picenus: the cisterns and the reservoir
As you walk along the Roman Amphitheater Street, you find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, enveloped in an atmosphere made even more enchanting by the presence of the ancient walls of a concrete cistern.
In 1930, this structure was repurposed as a foundation for a modern home after it was no longer useful for its original purpose. Yet, it still echoes the past, allowing you to imagine the gentle flow of water that once filled it, showcasing the craftsmanship of Roman builders, a skill that has withstood the test of time.
Continue your journey until the road reconnects with Pozzo Street, where the remains of the Falerio Picenus reservoir, also known as the "Queen's Baths”, stand tall.
This trapezoidal structure is a true marvel of Roman engineering: divided into three basins and designed for water distribution, the reservoir is not just a functional work but a tangible symbol of the extraordinary construction skills of the era.
The choice of materials like bricks and stones, arranged with clear expertise, recalls the architecture of the nearby theater, suggesting a chronological connection that leads back to the late 1st century BC and the early decades of the 1st century AD.
The harmony in the construction techniques also reveals a deep understanding of the materials, with a perfect alternation and precisely calculated measurements. In this space, the balance between functionality and beauty becomes evident, revealing a construction skill that blends ingenuity and practicality.
Every detail of the construction is not just a functional element but a genuine tribute to the art of Roman architecture, capable of transcending time and allowing you to relive the grandeur of a bygone era, in an exciting journey that invites you to discover the wonders of a civilization that shaped the Marche region.
The imperial sarcophagus, the temple podium, and the legacy of ancient Falerio
After admiring the cisterns and reservoir, continue your journey through the archaeological area of Falerio Picenus by heading toward the Roman Theater, following Via del Pozzo to complete a loop.
On the right side of the road, which was once the city's main axis, you’ll come across another remarkable relic: the Roman sarcophagus. This monument, dating back to the Imperial era, is crafted from marble or local stone and captivates not only with its solemnity but also the story it tells.
Although built from accessible materials, it was reserved for affluent patrons, as evidenced by the refined details and the funerary collection found with it, which includes 25 perfectly preserved glass balsamari. These small containers once held precious oils and perfumes, adding further intrigue to a discovery that continues to evoke mystery.
Beyond the sarcophagus, make your way back toward the Roman Theater. Then, just a few hundred meters ahead, you’ll reach the heart of the village of Piane, where another significant feature of the archaeological area awaits you.
It’s the remains of the podium of an ancient temple, nestled in a secluded space amid modern homes. Once clad in slabs of Istrian stone, this podium is all that remains of a temple that combined beauty and sacredness. As you walk around its base, you can easily imagine the grandeur it once held—a place of worship and gathering that made Falerio a vital center for the local community.
Here, your journey through the archaeological site concludes. This visit leaves you with more than just memories of an ancient Roman city; it imparts the legacy of a people who seamlessly blended functionality with beauty in every aspect of life.
The echoes of Roman greatness still resonate among the stones, serving as a tangible bridge between the past and the present. At the end of the journey, you are left with the realization that you've uncovered a fragment of a civilization that not only created extraordinary works but also had the ability to transform the resources of a region into something eternal.
