Molise
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

The amphitheatre, built in the 1st century AD, served the Roman city of Larinum, which was located on the border between the Samnite hinterland and the Adriatic coastal strip. Typically elliptical in shape, it is medium in size and could seat up to 11,000 people. The first two tiers of seats were carved out of sandstone bedrock, while the upper parts were constructed with brick. Due to the use of the building materials since the structure fell into disuse in the late empire, nothing is preserved of the upper elevations. Only that section cut into the sandstone remains. But visitors can still see the arena and podium, some vomitoria and the remains of the ambulatory.

When in 293 BC the Romans conquered the Samnite fortified town on Torrevecchia hill, the population was forced to move to the plain below, giving rise to the Saepinum. The area was an important crossing point on transhumance routes. After obtaining the status of municipium important building works were started, some of which are still visible. The site still preserves the ancient Roman walls and its monumental gates, the theatre, the forum and the remains of the Basilica and the Macellum. Outside the walls are several funerary monuments along the roads out of the city.

When the Norman Count Robert of Loritello decided to establish his residence in Termoli in the 11th century, the castle was built on the remains of a Lombard tower. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous changes, both because of the two earthquakes that struck it and for defensive needs. In 1247, Emperor Frederick II of Swabia had it altered because of the damage it had suffered from the Venetian fleet, and this is when the castle was given the name Swabian. In 1566 its role as the city’s defences failed, and the Turkish fleet attacked and destroyed a lot of the town. Today it hosts exhibitions and cultural events and is one of the most eye-catching landmarks on the Molise coast.