Discover Teramo: Archaeology, Cathedral and River Landscape

Teramo combines impressive evidence of antiquity with an urban river landscape and a cathedral whose history dates back to the Middle Ages. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Teramo will find a destination where archaeological discoveries, art and walks can be combined in a variety of daily itineraries. Depending on your interests, you can focus on Roman buildings, ecclesiastical art, exhibitions or the paths along the Vezzola and Tordino.

Roman traces and archaeological sites

The Sito Archeologico del Teatro romano was probably built in the early Imperial period under Augustus. It was partially rediscovered and restored from 1926 onwards. The site is currently closed due to enhancement and restoration work. This current status is important for travel planning, while the site's historical significance nevertheless provides an insight into Teramo's Roman past.

Further evidence can be found at various archaeological sites. The Domus del Leone is located in the basement of Palazzo Savini and is dated to the 1st century BC. The visible remains include an atrium as a reception area and a tablinum as a representative room in a Roman house. The mosaic depicts a lion attacking a snake. At the Sito Archeologico di Largo Madonna delle Grazie, Republican-period buildings were incorporated during the Augustan period into a large domus with a central peristyle. From the 3rd century AD, this domus was converted into an industrial fullery, a fullonica for dyeing fabrics, which was used until the 5th century AD. This site is also currently closed due to restoration and enhancement work.

The Sito Archeologico di Largo Sant’Anna preserves the remains of a Roman domus dating from the end of the Republican period to the early Imperial period, approximately the 1st century BC. Above them are the remains of the Cattedrale Sanctae Mariae Aprutiense. The Area Archeologica di Madonna della Cona is a particular highlight: this extensive cemetery was used from the 9th century BC to the 3rd century AD. It includes circular stone burial monuments of the Campovalano type, with rich grave goods dating from the 9th to the 6th century BC. The area is open on request; contacting the site is required for information and reservations.

Cathedral, museum and contemporary culture

Teramo Cathedral offers several points of historical interest. After the destruction of Teramo in 1155–1156, Bishop Guido II began construction of the new cathedral. It was completed in 1176 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The portal was created and signed in 1332 by Deodato Romano of the Cosmatesque school. Beneath the main altar there is also a paliotto, a masterpiece by Nicola da Gradiagrele, commissioned by Giosia d’Acquaviva and created between 1433 and 1448.

At the Museo Civico Archeologico “F. Savini”, the ground-floor tour traces Teramo's history from protohistoric finds through Roman Interamnia Praetut(t)iorum to the Middle Ages. The first floor focuses on the Ager Praetut(t)ianus, the territory inhabited by the Italic Praetutii, which in Roman times corresponded to the territory administered by Interamnia. This allows you to place individual buildings and archaeological sites in a broader historical context.

There are also points of interest for those interested in changing cultural activities. The L’Arca space in Largo San Matteo, inaugurated in October 2011, plans artistic and educational activities in the field of contemporary art and organises temporary exhibitions. At times, L’Arca is made available to the public for exhibitions, conferences, meetings, seminars and book presentations, provided this is compatible with the use of the facility. The 600-square-metre Sala Ipogea is an underground hall for cultural activities. Since November 2022, the “La Pinacoteca si ascolta” project has paired four exhibited works, one per room, with specially composed soundscapes.

A river landscape for a different daily rhythm

Between the cultural attractions, the urban river landscape offers a different perspective on Teramo. It includes the Parco fluviale del Vezzola and the Lungofiume del Tordino, combining natural and urban scenery. The Parco del Vezzola is equipped for games, sports and walks. This allows you to choose between games, sports and walks.

Teramo as a starting point for travel planning

When looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation in Teramo, it is worth prioritising your personal daily plans in advance: for those interested in culture, Roman houses, burial monuments, the cathedral and the museum are the main attractions; anyone looking for room for exercise in between can consider the river landscape and Parco del Vezzola.

For further travel planning, you can also explore Silvi Marina, Martinsicuro, Silvi Paese, Rocca Santa Maria, Cesi, Colonnella, Arsita and Penna Sant'Andrea.

For the overarching travel overview: Teramo.