Travel
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May 24, 2020

Yearning for Archeology



During lockdown, I reread Mary Beard’s “The Colosseum” and the smashing Ingrid Rowland “From Pompei”. Both are personal favorites from our Insider’s Italy Reading Lists.

Colosseum

Pompeii

The 4th century AD mosaics of Piazza Armerina are remarkable for not only their quality
but for their spectacular subject matter

Both sent me dreaming of visits to each, and made me yearn for those archeological sites that I love most, and that I long to introduce you to. I have very special guides for you for all of them, and guarantee a particular focus on visiting unusual portions of the sites that most travelers miss (the third tier of the Colosseum, say, or frescoed villas that are off the usual Pompeii route.)

Morgantina. Fascinating, atmospheric, overgrown and with unforgettable views (best afternoon and into evening). The major of excavations on this Greek site date from 450 BC – 50 AD.
One of my favorite picnic spots, Norba.  An ancient Roman citadel city of enormous atmosphere, with monumental “Cyclopean” polygonal walls.  Road paving is exceptionally well preserved.



As you enjoy this blog, take out your pad and paper please. Take notes. Let’s include a number of these special places — all off the beaten path — in your next trip.

I dream often of Paestum, one of Europe’s most glorious archeological sites, with three major Greek temples and extensive Roman and Greek antiquity
Veio, just north of Rome, the most powerful  Etruscan city, a veritable metropolis of the 5th century BC.

Remarkable Saepinum, a Samnite and Roman city that without any formal enclosure,
where sheep and goats still roam in the ancient Forum.


Saepinum
We’ve always had the Roman site of Ferento to ourselves

All of the sites featured here – an antipasto of those we love to share – are either open already or are opening next month. Soon is a very good time to think of visiting them.

Although just five miles the city center of Rome, the Park of the Aqueducts feels like another world. Here the Aqua Claudia.

Castellamare di Stabiae, site of several elite Roman villas with stunning architectural and artistic remains.

You’ll find us there too — dancing among the poppies, and investigating for you.

Meet Marjorie

Insider’s Italy is an experienced family business that draws on my family’s four generations of life in Italy. I personally plan your travels. It is my great joy to share with you my family’s hundred-year-plus archive of Italian delights, discoveries and special friends.

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Marjorie’s Italy Blog comes to you from Italy and is a regular feature written for curious, independent Italy lovers. It is enjoyed both by current travelers and armchair adventurers.