Spoleto

Arch of Druze and Germanicus in Spoleto

Located in the town of Spoleto, the arch of Druze and Germanicus (Arco di Druso e Germanico) is an architectural monument from the time of the Roman Empire. The building that has survived to this day will soon celebrate its 2000th anniversary.

Story

During the Roman Empire, this arch was the entrance to the Forum, now in its place is Piazza del Mercato - the city market square. The inscription, which is still preserved on the arch, says that the structure was erected in the 23rd year of the 1st century AD.

They built an arch in honor of the sons of the emperor Tiberius: his own son Druz and the adoptive Germanicus. By the way, Germanicus was the father of the famous emperor Caligula, to whom power eventually passed from Tiberius. And Tiberius himself is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, where he is called Tiberius Caesar. According to the Bible, it was during his reign that Jesus Christ was crucified.

Description

The arch of Druze and Germanicus consists of white blocks of travertine. Its height is 6 meters 10 centimeters. Width - 8 meters 30 centimeters. Once she had stucco decorations, but over time they were lost. One side of the arch in the Middle Ages became a part of the house built next to it. The other side rests on the remains of an ancient temple. The only antique column serves as a reminder of it.

Location

The ancient town of Spoleto, located 95 kilometers from Rome. You can find the arch in the southern part of the Piazza del Mercato.

  • Address: Via Arco di Druso, 19. 06049 Spoleto PG

What to see nearby

Other ancient Roman monuments have been preserved in Spoleto:

  • The theater, which was rebuilt in the church of St. Agatha. Now in this building is the National Archaeological Museum.
  • Bloody bridge built in the 1st century. According to legend, Saint Pontian, who is considered the patron saint of Spoleto, was killed on it.
  • Roman and even earlier fortifications. Their remains can be seen to this day.
  • Roman house. Historians believe that it belonged to the mother of the emperor Vespasian.

Popular Posts

Category Spoleto, Next Article

Umberto Gallery in Naples
Naples

Umberto Gallery in Naples

Umberto Gallery (Galleria Umberto I) is a huge indoor shopping complex in Naples. The chic passage is a masterpiece of modern architecture, so all tourists who are fortunate enough to spend several days in Naples, certainly visit it. Grace and luxury of a magnificent construction will not leave anyone indifferent.
Read More
Pompeii - a city buried alive
Naples

Pompeii - a city buried alive

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city in southern Italy near Naples. As you know, Pompeii was buried under a multi-layer layer of ash during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79. Today, the city is a huge open-air museum, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. History The city was founded by the Oscans in the VI century.
Read More
Castell del Ovo Castle (Eggs) in Naples
Naples

Castell del Ovo Castle (Eggs) in Naples

In Naples, not far from Piazza del Plebiscito, there is an amazing attraction - Castel de Ovo. The ancient castle stands proudly on a separate island near the seashore. The fortress attracts tourists as a beautiful and majestic architectural monument endowed with a rich history.
Read More