Recent archaeological discoveries have unveiled an important Roman Sanctuary in Itri, in the locality of San Cristoforo. This extraordinary site underscores the ancient religious vocation of the Itri area, enriching the region’s historical heritage.
The sanctuary, dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, is strategically located, overlooking the valley and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Aurunci Mountains. It is a monumental complex likely dedicated to a rural or protective deity linked to pagan cults practiced along the route of the Via Appia. Excavations have uncovered a series of structures, including an altar, remains of architectural decorations, and fragments of inscriptions, providing valuable insights into the site’s function and significance.
Of particular interest is the discovery of an area dedicated to votive offerings, featuring numerous ceramic and metal artifacts left by worshippers as tokens of devotion. Some of these objects bear inscriptions that may be interpreted as dedications to the deity worshipped at the sanctuary.
The discovery of the Roman Sanctuary of San Cristoforo not only enhances the archaeological heritage of Itri but also offers a new perspective on the history and religiosity of southern Lazio during Roman times. Researchers are now working to complete the study of the site, making it accessible to the public and integrating it into a cultural itinerary connecting the main historical landmarks of the area.
This remarkable find highlights once again the importance of preserving and showcasing the historical and archaeological treasures that the Itri region has safeguarded for millennia.
