What to see in Sperlonga, itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest, including an ancient village with a sea view and Villa di Tiberio.
Tourist information
Located on the Lazio coast halfway between Rome and Naples, divided into the two east and west rivers, Sperlonga is a renowned seaside resort in the province of Latina.
With the inauguration of the Flacca coastal road, which covers the stretch between Terracina and Gaeta, local tourism has increased steadily since 1958.
The archaeological excavations, which brought to light the Grotta di Tiberio, the sandy beaches and the good quality of the sea, are the main attractions of the Lazio region.
Consequently new hotels have sprung up in the years, the second homes of those who come to spend their holidays in this location have increased.
The expansion of the marina has further widened the audience of potential vacationers, who prefer to move by sea through yachts and pleasure boats.
What see
The ancient village, located on top of the promontory of San Magno, presents itself with the classic medieval structure consisting of stairways, narrow and winding alleys, with whitewashed houses and ancient watchtowers, which were once part of the defensive system of Sperlonga, built to counter frequent Saracen raids.
The two doors of the town walls remain from the eleventh century, while the Church of Santa Maria dates back to the early twelfth century.
The name of the city derives from the many natural caves in the area, in Latin called speluncae, one of which was incorporated into the Villa of Tiberius, the second Roman emperor.
The cavity, almost open to the sea, partly left in its natural state and partly decorated with marble and glass tesserae, was enriched with marble groups inspired by Ulysses' exploits, works of considerable interest today exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum.
The cave housed the summer dining room and a system of swimming pools for the breeding of seafood and valuable fish species.
Recommended readings- Anagni (Lazio): what to see
- Lazio: Sunday day trips
- Vetralla (Lazio): what to see
- Ciociaria (Lazio): what to see in the historic region
- Alatri (Lazio): what to see
Along the east beach, the remains of the sumptuous residence are visible.
