Novilara: Archaeology and Landscape

Novilara combines archaeological evidence with a landscape that stretches from the defensive wall across the Adriatic coast to the Apennines. When planning your stay, you can focus on different aspects: Picenian and Iron Age history, views over the coast and hills, and traces of the ancient aqueduct.

Archaeological Traces of Picenian Culture

At the Centro di Documentazione Archeologica di Novilara, an exhibition area is dedicated to local geology and geomorphology, as well as Picenian culture, attested by the necropolis on the nearby Servici and Molaroni estates. Three copies of sandstone stelae found in the area are on display. The center also houses a wooden model of the ship depicted on a stele featuring a ship.

Geology deals with rocks and the history of the Earth; geomorphology studies the forms of the landscape. These topics complement the archaeological objects with a view of the natural surroundings. The Iron Age necropolis of Novilara yielded a total of 293 graves from the Molaroni and Servici areas. Materials from the burials attest to extensive connections and exchange with southern and northern Italy, as well as the Illyrian coast.

The sandstone stelae also offer insight into this era: typical examples found in and around Novilara date from the late 7th to the early 6th century BC. Their depictions show naval battles, combat, and hunting scenes. While the number of graves conveys the scale of the necropolis, the exchange networks and imagery add contacts and representations to the archaeological perspective.

Views and Traces of the Aqueduct

From Novilara’s defensive wall, you can look out over the Adriatic coast towards Senigallia and across gently rolling green hills as far as the Apennines. The Sentiero Santa Croce offers a different focus: information boards accompany the path, which passes archaeological excavation areas and the former inspection shafts of the ancient Roman aqueduct. While the wall offers views of the coast and hills, the Sentiero follows tangible traces of the past. Check the condition of the path locally before setting out.

A Later Historical Reference

The Pieve di San Michele Arcangelo stands outside the defensive wall. It was consecrated in 1356, providing a historical reference point considerably later than the Picenian and Iron Age finds. Thus, Iron Age archaeological evidence sits alongside a church-history reference from the 14th century.

A Culinary Highlight and Visit Planning

Novilara Arte Gusto featured tastings of artisanal wines; practical workshops on making tagliatelle were also planned. The event program therefore included both tastings and hands-on activities.

The Centro di Documentazione Archeologica can be visited by prior reservation through the Associazione Culturale L’Anfora. Admission is included with the Card Pesaro Musei. Check the reservation details again before your trip so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Mombaroccio, Macerata Feltria, Carpegna, Urbania, Gradara, Piobbico, Borgo Pace, Villa Del Monte

Return to the main travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.