Baccano: Roman History and Routes

Baccano brings together archaeological evidence and the landscape history of the Valle di Baccano. Points of reference include the Roman Imperial-era Mansio Ad Vacanas, traces of settlement around the former lake, and a variety of routes. You can therefore explore the area through several distinct themes: the formation and transformation of the landscape, archaeological finds, and historic routes that can still be walked today.

Landscape and History of the Valle di Baccano

The Valle di Baccano lies in an extinct crater in the Monti Sabatini region. The shores of the former lake were settled as early as prehistoric times. Later, the Romans drained the lake through a cut between Monte Razzano and Monte Lupoli. Fosso Maestro Curzio is considered the most significant water feature of the Valle di Baccano. Several layers should therefore be distinguished when understanding the landscape: its geological formation, early settlement along the lakeshore, and the Roman intervention in the water system.

Archaeological Evidence in Baccano

Mansio Ad Vacanas is a site dating from the Roman Imperial period. It was discovered in 1979 during the widening of the Via Cassia at kilometre 31. The year of discovery indicates when the site was found, not when it was built. The Museo Archeologico del Pellegrino offers a detailed account of the surviving remains from Baccano. The museum also displays a black-and-white mosaic featuring fanciful fish, which comes from the thermal complex of Mansio Ad Vacanas. Baccano is also home to the impressive remains of the Granai Chigi. Together, these examples illustrate different aspects of the local cultural heritage: a Roman Imperial-era site, artefacts on display, and surviving architectural remains.

Via Amerina and Drivable Route

Near Baccano, the Via Amerina branched off from the Via Cassia in the direction of Ameria; the ancient name refers to present-day Amelia in Umbria. Today, the Via Amerina is mostly walkable along its original route from the Valle di Baccano to Amelia. If you plan to follow this route, check access and trail conditions before setting out. An Itinerario also begins in the Valle di Baccano, but is described as a drivable route along provincial and municipal roads. It passes through an area of scenic value with geological outcrops associated with the activity of the Sabatino Volcano. The two route references therefore differ both in the stated mode of travel and in their focus: the original route of the Via Amerina and a road route through an area with geological outcrops.

An Etruscan Road Cutting

An impressive Etruscan road cutting is also located near the Valle di Baccano, connecting the valley with Laghetto di Martignano. The term refers to a route cut into the terrain; in this case, it specifically denotes the connection between the Valle di Baccano and Laghetto di Martignano. This feature adds an independent example of Etruscan route history to the Roman history of the Via Amerina. If you are considering Baccano as a travel destination, these varied historical and landscape themes offer a practical way to choose your focus.

For the broader travel overview: Campagnano Di Roma.