Museo Archeologico, Spoleto
View of the Romanesque church that now houses the Archaeological Museum (right) and the 1st-century Roman theater (left) from above.
View showing more of the museum and architectural fragments next to the theater.
Location map and aerial view of Museo Archeologico. For a larger interactive view, see our Spoleto Map.
The National Archaeological Museum of Spoleto (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Spoleto) is housed in a former Benedictine convent and incorporates an ancient Roman theater. It displays a variety of interesting Roman artifacts, including a famous inscription warning against damaging a sacred forest.
The museum opened in 1985 within the complex of the former Benedictine church and convent of St. Agata. It includes access to Spoleto's 1st-century Roman theater, which has been restored and is used for performances throughout the summer. It retains many of the original benches as well as an intact passageway under the cavea behind the seats.
Inside, the collection includes a number of artifacts recovered from the theater area, including the torso from a statue of a young boy and 1st-century busts of Julius and Augustus Caesar. Also on display are items from a 7th-century BC warrior's tomb.
Also notable 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), which is 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 protected pagan site was later frequented by the nature-loving St. Francis of Assisi. To visit the woods yourself, you can take the hourly #9 bus from Piazza Liberta or go on foot - it's a long peaceful walk accompanied by fine views.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Museo Archeologico; Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Spoleto; National Archaeological Museum of Spoleto |
| Location: | Spoleto, Umbria, Italy |
| Category: | Museums |
| Date: | Opened 1985 |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 42.733475° N, 12.735021° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Piazza della Libertà, Spoleto, Italy |
| Phone: | 0743-223-277 |
| Website: | www.archeopg.arti.beniculturali.it |
| Hours: | Mon-Sat 8:30am-7:30pm |
| Cost: | 2€ adults; 1€ children under 18 and seniors over 65 |
Travel Resources for Spoleto
- Spoleto Map - our detailed interactive map of Spoleto, plus hand-picked links to more
- Spoleto Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Spoleto Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Spoleto Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Spoleto Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Spoleto tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Spoleto - Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici dell'Umbria
- Frommer's Florence, Tuscany & Umbria, 4th edition
- Fodor's Florence, Tuscany & Umbria, 7th edition
- The Rough Guide to Italy 7 (May 2005), 650.
Article last updated: 04/04/2009.
