In the heart of Irpinia, in Campania, the Aeclanum Archaeological Park, in Mirabella Eclano, in the province of Avellino, is an ideal destination for discovering evidence of the ancient Samnite and Roman civilizations. Located along the historic route of the Appian Way, the famous Regina Viarum, the site preserves the remains of an important urban center that for centuries was a strategic point in the connections between Campania and southern Italy.

Aeclanum, an ancient city between the Samnites and the Romans

The origins of Aeclanum date back to the late 3rd century BCE, when the town was founded by the Hirpini, a Samnite people who settled in what is now the Irpinia region. The city played a significant role during the Social War and, in 89 BCE, it was conquered and burned down by Lucius Cornelius Sulla, according to the account of the historian Appian.

Rebuilt in the years that followed, Aeclanum became a Roman municipium, developing as a center of trade, commerce and public life. Its location along the Appian Way contributed to the town's growth and its connection with the main cities of southern Italy. Its decline intensified in the early Middle Ages, culminating in its destruction in 662 AD, attributed to the Byzantine Emperor Constans II.

What to see in the Archaeological Park of Aeclanum

Covering an area of about 18 hectares, the Aeclanum Archaeological Park allows you to explore the remains of the ancient Roman city along a route that takes you through public buildings, commercial spaces, dwellings and defensive structures.

The main archaeological sites to admire include:

The Roman baths, located on a small hill, testify to the importance of spaces dedicated to socializing and public life.
The macellum, the ancient covered market, documents the role of commercial activities in urban organization.
The houses and shops, which offer a glimpse into the daily life of the inhabitants of Aeclanum.
The city walls, also built in opus reticulatum, preserve traces of the ancient defensive system, with gates and towers.
The early Christian basilica, which testifies to the spread of Christianity in late antiquity. Among the remains, a baptismal font with a Greek cross plan stands out, linked to the rite of baptism by immersion.

The archaeological structures recount the evolution of Aeclanum over the centuries, from the Samnite settlement to the Roman city, up to the transformations of Late Antiquity.

The Appian Way and the Broken Bridge

The Archaeological Park of Aeclanum is closely linked to the history of the Appian Way, the ancient consular road that connected Rome to Brindisi and was one of the main communication routes of the Roman Empire.

In the area between Benevento and Mirabella Eclano, evidence of the ancient route is still visible, including the remains of the so-called Broken Bridge. The proximity to the Appian Way enhances the visit to the park and allows visitors to learn more about the role of Roman infrastructure in the development of the towns in Campania's hinterland.

Part of the Via Appia enhancement project, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024, Aeclanum is a fascinating stop for those who want to learn about the history of the great communication routes of antiquity.

Visiting Aeclanum: a cultural experience in Irpinia

A visit to the Archaeological Park of Aeclanum is an opportunity to discover the historical and cultural heritage of Mirabella Eclano and Irpinia. The site is aimed at archaeology enthusiasts, lovers of Roman history and travelers interested in cultural itineraries away from the most popular tourist routes.

Walking among the remains of the ancient city means retracing the history of the Samnite peoples, understanding the organization of the Roman city and observing the transformations that have affected this area over the centuries.

The Aeclanum Archaeological Park is a destination to include in an itinerary to discover inland Campania, among ancient remains, hilly landscapes and villages rich in history.