VENOSA private tour: one of the most important roman places near Matera

Venosa, once a vital Roman city, thrived due to the Via Appia, fostering significant trade. Today, it echoes with the legacy of Horace Flacco, renowned for “Carpe Diem.” Our guided tour commences at the Archaeological Park, revealing thermal baths, domus, SS. Trinity, and an amphitheater. Explore the baths’ mosaic-frigidarium and tepidarium/calidarium, adjacent to 2 domus with a central basin. The amphitheater, a captivating elliptical structure from I-II century D.C., boasts an underground realm and spectator steps.

Continuing, we delve into S.S. Trinity, featuring an ancient church (V/VII century) restored by Lombards and Normans. Uncover Altavilla Tombs, the Abbatial Palace with a monastery, and the intriguing “unfinished” church from the mid-1100s. Our journey concludes with the Early Christian Baptistery.

In the historic center, we venture to the 16th-century Aragonese castle Pirro del Balzo—a majestic square-plan structure with cylindrical towers housing the national archaeological museum, showcasing predominantly Roman artifacts. The tour culminates with an external exploration of the famed “House of Horace,” recently confirmed as parts of a patrician house’s thermal baths from the II century BC. Immerse yourself in Venosa’s rich history and architectural wonders!

Included:

• Walking tour with licensed tour guide

Not included:

• Food and drinks
  
• Archaeological park ticket
• Castle ticket
• Museums

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Water
• Sun hat on hot days

Meeting point:

• Car parking area next Archaeological park