Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Spoleto
The Museo Archeologico (left) is housed in the former monastery of S.
Agata. On the right is the Roman Theater. Photo by Tehmina Goskar.
View of the theater and museum (right). Public domain.
Replica of the Lex Spoletina at Monteluco forest. Photo © wrl.it.
Spoleto's Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum) is located next to a Roman theater and displays a number of interesting artifacts from the Roman era.
The Archaeological Museum opened in 1985 within the complex of the former Benedictine church and convent of S. Agata.
Spoleto's Archaeological Museum preserves artifacts from a 7th-century BC warrior's tomb and materials recovered from the theater area, including the torso of a young boy and 1st-century portrait busts of Julius and Augustus Caesar.
One of the major highlights of the museum are the Lex Spoletina (Spoleto Law) tablets dating from 315 BC. The two tablets were set up as markers to protect the Bosco Sacro (Sacred Forest), south of town on Monteluco behind the city. They warn:
These sacred woods, no one may violate. Do not remove or strip away that which belongs to the forest…. Whosoever transgresses will offer to Jupiter an ox as placation. If one does it knowingly and with evil intent, to Jupiter he must offer a placating ox plus pay a 300 assi fine.
This well-protected pagan prayer site was later frequented by St. Francis of Assisi. You can visit the woods, too: take the hourly #9 bus from Piazza Liberta or make the long walk for some peace and quiet accompanied by fine views.
Next door to the museum is a restored 1st-century Roman theater, which is used for performances throughout the summer.
Quick Facts
| Location: | Next to the Teatro Romano on Piazza della Libertà, Spoleto, Italy |
| Phone: | 0743-223-277 |
| Hours: | Mon-Sat 8:30am to 7:30pm |
| Cost: | 2€ for adults and 1€ for children under 18 and seniors over 65 |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Museo Archeologico. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Spoleto Map or get our free Google Earth download.
