Settecamini: Traces of the Via Tiburtina and the Roman Suburb

For a trip to Settecamini, the Area Archeologica di Settecamini is a key historical landmark. It lies halfway between Rome and Tivoli, at the eighth mile of the Via Tiburtina. The site is temporarily closed to the public due to works planned under the PNRR. Before travelling, check the current access arrangements before planning a visit. Historically, the site offers several perspectives: the route of the ancient road, the remains of a roadside station, and a picture of the Roman suburb during the imperial period.

The Via Tiburtina and the western excavation area

The Area Archeologica consists of two large excavation areas separated by an urbanised zone. This is important for understanding the site: the western and eastern areas have different focuses. In the west, the well-preserved paving of the ancient Via Tiburtina remains intact. The remains of a roadside station dating to the 1st century BC are also located there. The western area therefore draws attention both to the surviving road surface and to the remains of a roadside station.

The Area Archeologica di Settecamini also reveals how the ancient Via Tiburtina leads into a building with a large inner courtyard. This feature complements the view of the road surface: here, the Via appears not only as paving but also as a route leading into a built space. The courtyard gives this connection a tangible setting. Two details can therefore be distinguished when interpreting the site: the surviving paving in the western excavation area and the road leading into a building with a courtyard.

The eastern area and settlement

The eastern archaeological area offers a cross-section of Rome’s suburbs during the imperial period. Various tombs can be seen along the road; the remains of an inn are also part of this area. The focus here is therefore different from that in the west: the suburb, the roadside tombs, and the remains of the inn.

The dates can also be clearly distinguished. The roadside station dates to the 1st century BC; the Area Archeologica was inhabited until the 5th century AD. The dating of the individual roadside station and the longer history of settlement therefore describe different periods. Together with the imperial-period context of the eastern area, this gives a nuanced picture of the finds, without requiring all the remains to be assigned to the same period.

Historic farmhouse and local events

Another historical feature of the Settecamini area is the Casale del Fornaccio: a fully restored old farmhouse that was already being used as a bakery in the Middle Ages. The Casale uses a wood-fired oven. Doughs with a long proving time and a high, airy crust are prepared there. The kitchen serves typical dishes from Campania as well as classic Roman dishes. The kitchen at the Casale del Fornaccio serves typical dishes from Campania and classic Roman dishes. As the restaurant’s operations and menu may change, check the latest information before visiting if you are interested.

The Festa di Settecamini is also a focal point for the local community. The local band described the 2025 edition as an annual community festival. If you would like to plan your trip around a future Festa, check the dates for that edition before making your plans.

Discover more destinations: Montelibretti, Ladispoli, Colleferro, Poli, Grottaferrata, La Pisana, Torre Maura, Santa Marta

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