Sepino: Ancient Roman Saepinum in the Heart of Molise

In the green heart of Molise, where gentle hills stretch endlessly, stands Sepino, a small village that guards one of Central Italy's most precious archaeological treasures. Here, where time seems to have stopped, ancient Saepinum still tells its millennial story through perfectly preserved monuments that make this place an unmissable destination for art and history lovers.

Strolling through Sepino's streets means taking a journey through time, where every stone whispers the deeds of a glorious past. The modern village develops alongside the archaeological area, creating a fascinating blend of present and antiquity that makes the visiting experience truly unique in the Italian tourist landscape.

Sepino's magic lies precisely in this harmonious coexistence: on one side the medieval village with its authentic traditions, on the other the remains of the flourishing Roman city of Saepinum, which constitutes one of Central Italy's best-preserved archaeological sites.

History and Origins of Ancient Saepinum

The history of Saepinum has its roots in the Samnite era, when as early as the 4th century BC there was a fortified settlement on the surrounding mountains. However, it was with the arrival of the Romans that the city knew its maximum splendor, transforming from a simple mountain village into an important center of the Samnium region.

The Roman city was founded in the 1st century BC in a strategic position, along the Pescasseroli-Candela drove road, one of the most important transhumance routes connecting Abruzzo to Puglia. This privileged position made Saepinum a commercial crossroads of primary importance, where merchants, shepherds and travelers from all over the Mediterranean met.

The Golden Age under the Empire

During the imperial era, Saepinum reached its economic and cultural peak. The city was enriched with public monuments, baths, theaters and splendid patrician houses, many of which have survived to this day in exceptional conservation. The city's strategic importance is also testified by the presence of a local mint that coined its own money.

The Archaeological Site: An Open-Air Museum

The archaeological site of Saepinum represents one of Italy's best-preserved Roman complexes, extending over an area of about 12 hectares completely enclosed by the original walls. What most strikes the visitor is the extraordinary integrity of the Roman urban layout, with its paved streets, public and private buildings still clearly readable.

The City Walls and Gates

The ancient city walls, built in squared masonry with blocks of local limestone, extend for over a kilometer and a half and are dotted with four perfectly preserved main gates:

• Boiano Gate (Porta Bovianum): the most monumental, decorated with cylindrical towers
• Matese Gate (Porta Terravecchia): characterized by a round arch
• Benevento Gate: located along the main decumanus
• Tammaro Gate: the simplest but no less evocative

The Roman Theater

The Roman theater of Saepinum is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the archaeological site. Built in the 1st century AD, it could accommodate about 3,000 spectators and is still used today for theatrical performances during the summer season. The cavea, carved into the natural rock, has perfect acoustics that allow every word spoken on stage to be heard distinctly even from the highest tiers.

Particularly fascinating is the scaenae frons, the scenic backdrop decorated with Corinthian columns and niches for statues, which offers a spectacle of rare beauty especially at sunset, when the golden light of the Molise sun illuminates the ancient stones.

The Baths and Public Buildings

The public baths of Saepinum testify to the high level of civilization reached by the Roman city. The thermal complex, articulated according to the traditional Roman scheme with calidarium, tepidarium and frigidarium, still preserves the remains of the hypocaust heating system and splendid floor mosaics with geometric and figurative motifs.

The Forum and Basilica

The forum represented the beating heart of Saepinum's social and economic life. The vast rectangular square, surrounded by porticoes, hosted markets, public assemblies and religious ceremonies. On the northern side stood the basilica, used for the administration of justice and for the most important commercial activities.

Particularly interesting is the macellum, the covered market where food was sold, characterized by a series of tabernae (shops) that overlook a central courtyard with a fountain.

The Modern Village of Sepino

The medieval village of Sepino developed in the centuries following the decline of the Roman city, while maintaining an indissoluble bond with the ancient past. The houses in local stone, the paved alleys and the small squares create an intimate and authentic atmosphere that represents the true spirit of the most genuine Molise.

Traditions and Local Life

Sepino is still a living village today, where traditions are passed down from generation to generation. During summer, the town comes alive with cultural events and village festivals that celebrate typical local products: from sausages to cheeses, from homemade bread to traditional sweets like cauciuni and pepatelle.

The Grain Festival, which takes place every year in August, represents one of the most heartfelt events by the local community and offers visitors the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in authentic Molise culture.

Nature and Surrounding Landscapes

Sepino's territory is characterized by uncontaminated nature that offers numerous opportunities for trekking and naturalistic excursion lovers. The Matese Mountains, which crown the town, offer breathtaking panoramas and trails that wind through centuries-old beech forests and verdant pastures.

Particularly evocative is the excursion to Monte Saraceno, from where you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the entire central Apennines, with a view that ranges from Abruzzo to Campania in one of the most spectacular views of Central-Southern Italy.

Practical Information for Visiting

The archaeological site of Saepinum is open year-round with hours varying according to season. Entry is free and the visit can be done independently or with specialized guides who enrich the experience with fascinating anecdotes and historical details.

How to Reach Sepino

Sepino is easily reachable by car:

• From Campobasso: SS 87 for about 20 km
• From Isernia: SS 17 then SS 87 for about 40 km
• From Naples: A1 to Caianello, then SS 372 and SS 87
• From Rome: A1 to Ceprano, then SS 6 and SS 87

Where to Stay

The village offers various hospitality solutions, from characteristic bed & breakfasts housed in ancient stone houses to farmhouses immersed in the surrounding nature, where you can taste the authentic flavors of Molise cuisine prepared with zero-kilometer ingredients.

Sepino represents the purest essence of cultural travel in Italy: a place where millennial history, uncontaminated nature and authenticity merge into an unforgettable experience that touches the soul of every visitor.

Visiting Sepino means discovering a lesser but no less fascinating Italy, where every stone tells a story and where time still flows at the slow and genuine rhythm of ancient traditions. A place that conquers the heart and remains forever imprinted in the memory of those fortunate enough to know it.