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Ocriculum - Ruins in the fields
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Written by Patricia Glee Smith
Otricoli, Umbria - It will come as a surprise to those used to perfectly organized archaeological sites that provide guidebooks and postcards, explanatory panels, snack bars, and bus loads of tourists. Here at ancient Roman Ocriculum, located just outside of the charming medieval town of Otricoli (44 kms. north of Rome) and once an important river port allied with Rome, all you are likely to run into is a sheep or two, or even a horse wandering around the area, but rarely other people. If you really want to buy something, the farm part way along the pretty road from the parking lot to the ruins will be glad to sell you some delicious sheep's milk cheese!
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After a short walk, the main area of the visible ruins appear. It has not been excavated very much, the most "recent" excavations were by the Vatican . . . back in 1775. The ruins rise out of fields and vineyards, and are truly magical. The setting is park-like and encourages wandering and speculating on life in ancient times. Great for a picnic (the nearby town of Otricoli can provide excellent materials), or sketching and photographing, the main monuments to be seen are the remains of the baths, the amphitheater and the theater, a monumental tomb, and the basilica.
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There is a small museum, recently opened, called the Antiquarium di Casale San Fulgenzio. It is worth a visit for an idea of the layout of the area, its culture, and to see some of the finds from the ruins. For more information, take a look at the Comune di Otricoli's website. (Middle photo courtesy of same.)
--contributed by Patricia Glee Smith (see bio), accomplished artist and very involved amateur archaeologist based in Otricoli, Umbria. Click here to view her artwork.
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