Things To Do
Santa Maria Capua Vetere
Santa Maria Capua Vetere, a municipality in the Province of Caserta with 33,742 inhabitants, boasts an important historical legacy. Originally called Santa Maria Maggiore and a hamlet of Capua, it gained autonomy in 1806. Its connection to ancient Capua is evidenced by the Campanian Amphitheater, second in size only to the Colosseum. Located in the fertile Campanian plain, the city lies at the foot of Mount Tifata and near the Volturno River. Once an agricultural and industrial hub, today it is a lively center that blends history, culture, and tradition.
The Campanian Amphitheater
The Campanian Amphitheater of Santa Maria Capua Vetere is second in importance and size only to the Colosseum. Built in the Flavian era between the late 1st and 2nd centuries AD, it was restored and decorated by Emperor Hadrian, while its inauguration took place under Antoninus Pius. With a capacity of up to 60,000 spectators, it hosted spectacular gladiatorial games and was built over an older arena, famous for Spartacus’s revolt in 73 BC. The archaeological area also includes the first Roman amphitheater built in masonry, an octagonal building from the imperial period, and a curving portico. Declared a National Monument in 1822, the Amphitheater has been open to the public since 1913 and, since 2013, has offered new services including a ticket office, bookshop, and an organic restaurant. Discover the history and architecture of this extraordinary archaeological site!
The Mithraeum
The Mithraeum of Santa Maria Capua Vetere is one of the best-preserved Mithraic places of worship in Italy, dating to the 2nd–3rd centuries AD. This underground sanctuary, dedicated to the god Mithras, was used for mystery rituals connected to this Persian-origin deity, which was widespread throughout the Roman Empire.The main space of the Mithraeum is a hall carved into the rock, characterized by a barrel vault and side benches where worshippers gathered for sacred ceremonies. The most striking element is the fresco on the back wall depicting the tauroctony—the scene in which Mithras sacrifices the bull—an act symbolizing regeneration and rebirth. The fresco is exceptionally well preserved and shows vivid colors, with iconographic details typical of the Mithraic cult, such as the sun and moon, the two torchbearers, and the snake and scorpion interacting with the bull.
Archaeological Museum of Ancient Capua
Santa Maria Capua Vetere is a city rich in history and culture, as shown by its museums, which offer a fascinating journey through the Roman era and beyond. The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Capua houses a large collection of finds from ancient Capua, including sculptures, ceramics, mosaics, and artifacts that tell the story of everyday life in the city during Roman times. Among the most significant works is the marble bust of a gladiator, a symbol of the connection between Capua and gladiatorial art.
The Gladiators Museum
The Gladiators’ Museum, located next to the Campanian Amphitheater, is an exhibit dedicated entirely to the figure of the gladiator. Here you can see architectural remains of the amphitheater, explanatory panels, and reconstructions that help explain the role and life of these fighters in ancient Rome.
The Civic Museum and Historical Archive
The Civic Museum and Historical Archive is instead a reference point for those who wish to explore the city’s more recent history. It houses documents, photographs, artworks, and artifacts that trace the evolution of Santa Maria Capua Vetere over the centuries, offering a fascinating snapshot of the area from the Middle Ages to the present day. These museums offer a complete cultural experience, ideal for anyone who wants to discover the historical richness of one of Campania’s most fascinating cities.
Caserta and the Surrounding Area
The Province of Caserta is an area rich in history, culture, and architectural beauty, with sites of extraordinary importance that testify to its glorious past. Just 10 km from Santa Maria Capua Vetere is the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta), one of the most impressive royal palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli for the Bourbon dynasty in the 18th century, the palace amazes visitors with its sumptuous apartments, magnificent park with dramatic fountains, and the evocative English Garden. At 15 km is the medieval village of Casertavecchia, a true gem perched in the Caserta hills. Walking through its stone alleyways means stepping into an atmosphere from another era, amid the majestic Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel and the remains of the Norman castle, which offers breathtaking views over the plain below.