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The Roman Sanctuary of San Cristoforo in Itri: the altar that watched over the Appian Way
Just outside Itri, on a hill in the Aurunci Mountains, lie the ruins of the Roman Sanctuary of San Cristoforo (St Christopher). Dating back to the first and second centuries AD, at the height of the Imperial era, it most likely served to protect travellers journeying along a branch of the Via Appia, who would stop to conduct rites dedicated to a local deity. This discovery rewrote a chapter in the history of southern Latium.
An altar overlooking the valley
What remains of the monumental complex are the foundations and, above all, a large central altar where the rites were performed. It occupies a strategic vantage point, overlooking the valley, from which the passage of travellers could be monitored. A place of rest and devotion in equal measure.
The story told by votive offerings
Excavations have brought to light hundreds of ceramic and metal artefacts — small offerings left here by worshippers. These were gifts made to seek protection for a journey, or to give thanks to the guardian deity of the territory for a good harvest. This has enabled us to gain a better understanding of daily life as it was two thousand years ago.
The archaeological site is a recent discovery, and is not yet fully equipped for regular tourist visits. It can be admired from the outside, along the road leading to the locality of San Cristoforo. For information on any extraordinary openings, visitors are advised to consult the website of the Municipality of Itri or the pages of the local Soprintendenza (Superintendency), with particular reference to cultural events.
