During your walk through the characteristic streets of Giulianova Alta, right in the centre of the town, you will find the valuable ‘Torrione La Rocca’ Archaeological Museum.

The district, known as the ‘Rocca’, is located at the highest point of the ancient Giulia and in past centuries was entirely fortified by a wall that was, in all likelihood, completed a few years after the foundation of the new city, replacing the ancient Castel San Flaviano, in 1480. The main points of this defence were the three towers: La Rocca, at the corner, and two others called ‘Il Buscione’ and ‘Il Mozzone’, which are no longer visible today. 

Since 2001, the tower has become an integral part of the Civic Museum Centre, housing an archaeological section of inestimable value. Inside you can see evidence of the Roman city of Castrum Novum Piceni, unique pieces that show its customs and uses. The city was founded around 290 B.C. in a strategic position at the mouth of the river Batinus, today’s Tordino, on a pre-existing settlement.

You will find amphorae, pottery and a variety of objects from burials, but among the finds stand out the decorated oil lamps produced in Castrum, that were shipped to the farthest corners of the Empire, true one-of-a-kind preciousnesses, desired by anyone who had the chance to admire them.

Ph credit: www.visitgiulianova.com

Ph credit: Franca Di Pancrazio – CC BY-SA 4.0