Discover Polla: Hotels for Your Stay

Polla offers a gateway to several historical themes: an ancient inscription, an exhibition about clothing, and buildings with medieval or early modern connections. The history of the roads associated with the town adds another dimension. This gives you different options when planning your trip—from Roman transport routes to local exhibitions and religious buildings.

The Lapis Pollae and a Roman transport route

The Lapis Pollae, also known as the Elogium Pollae, is a marble slab dating from the 2nd century BC. It was found in the 17th century in the hamlet of San Pietro, in the municipality of Polla in the province of Salerno. The dates of its creation and discovery refer to different points in time: the slab dates from antiquity, while it was found in San Pietro many centuries later.

The Lapis Pollae is one of the most important written records attesting to the existence of a significant civilian, military and commercial transport route in Roman times. Its significance therefore extends beyond military movement: civilian and commercial aspects are also part of the route’s importance. Those interested in ancient inscriptions can connect the slab with a broader subject—the different functions of Roman roads.

Clothing at the Museo Civico “Insteia Polla”

Another perspective is offered by the Museo Civico “Insteia Polla”. It houses a permanent exhibition entitled “Rassegna permanente delle antiche vestiture pollesi”. The exhibition is organised by everyday occasions. Its categories include festive, everyday, ritual and mourning attire.

This organisation invites comparison: it presents clothing according to its context rather than treating it as a single, uniform subject. Festive, everyday, ritual and mourning garments form distinct categories. The exhibition thus offers a focus distinct from the ancient inscription: the museum explores clothing and occasions, while the Lapis Pollae is a written record relating to the Roman transport route.

Church and monastery as historical landmarks

The buildings also offer different points of interest. The old monastery of Sant’Antonio has a 16th-century portal. Medieval frescoes can be seen in the old church of San Pietro Apostolo. These historical periods relate to different features: the portal at the monastery and the frescoes at the church.

If you are interested in historic architecture, there are two specific features to explore: a 16th-century portal and medieval wall paintings. The buildings complement the inscription and the clothing exhibition with religious and architectural connections. Polla therefore brings together different forms of historical expression without reducing them to the same period or subject.

Historic roads and hamlets

After about two kilometres, the Strada Regia delle Calabrie reaches the hamlet of San Pietro di Polla. The hamlet stands on the remains of Forum Annii, a Roman outpost on the Capua–Regium road. San Pietro thus brings together a named hamlet, the remains of a Roman outpost and connections to two roads.

Another stretch of the historic Strada Regia delle Calabrie passes through the medieval hamlet of Sant’Antonio before the road leaves Polla. Its route links different historical landmarks: San Pietro is associated with Forum Annii and a Roman outpost, while Sant’Antonio is described as a medieval hamlet. This distinction helps when tracing the town’s history: the route passes through one hamlet, while the other stands on the remains of a Roman outpost.

Discover more destinations: Positano, Ravello, Valva, Foria Di Centola, Montepertuso, Scala, Erchie, Ascea.

View the regional travel guide: Salerno.