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The Roman tombs of Osteria Nuova: the “skyscrapers” of ancient Rome along the Via Salaria
Along the ancient Via Salaria, near Poggio Moiano, a set of genuine ancient Roman “skyscrapers” rise up unexpectedly from the landscape. The locals call them the Torracci — the "big ugly towers", but they are in fact the Roman tombs of Osteria Nuova: three majestic towers of tombs dating from the 2nd century AD. Often mistaken for medieval towers, these giants of Roman concrete stand as silent testimony to the prestige of the families who built them.
Three towers, one in a garden
The first tower you encounter soars to a height approaching fifteen metres. A little further along come the second and third, and here lies the real surprise: one of them stands in the garden of a modern house, a piece of Roman history living side by side with everyday modern life.
Visible from the road
No ticket is required to see them. Simply follow the old Via Salaria in the direction of Rieti and look carefully to the left as you pass through the village of Osteria Nuova. They are there, stone sentinels keeping watch over the road for nearly two thousand years. An unexpected encounter with the past that catches you completely off guard.
The monuments can be viewed freely from the roadside along the SS4 Via Salaria state road, near Osteria Nuova (Municipality of Poggio Moiano).
