THE HOME OF ROMAN WONDERS

The Sanctuary Of Fortuna Primigenia At Palestrina

This itinerary will lead you to discover the famous sanctuary of the Fortuna Primigenia, located by the ancient Praenestae.

Summary

This itinerary will lead you to discover the famous sanctuary of the Fortuna Primigenia, located by the ancient Praenestae, (only about 30 km from Rome), one of the most extraordinary examples of the Roman sacred architecture. According to ancient sources a natural grotto called the “Antro delle Sorti” (Cavern of the Fates) hosted the oracle of the goddess Fortuna Primigenia who discerned the future from cryptic tablets (the so-called Sortes Praenestinae-Fates of Palestrina). A child descended into the dark of a deep bore hole, and returned with an inscribed tablet with the “sors” (response) of the goddess. During our visit we will explore the archaeological area of the sanctuary by narrating exactly the intriguing rituality which accompanied the oracular cult of the Goddes. We will then visit the Archaeological National Museum of the ancient Prenestae hosted in the adjacent historical seat of Palazzo Colonna Barberini. 
The Museum houses most of the archaeological finds recovered in the territory of Palestrina and the history and costumes of the ancient Roman town. 
The master piece of the collection is doubtless the famous “Mosaic of the Nile”. 

At lunch we will stop at Castel San Pietro a romantic medieval village with a stunning view over the Prenestine mountains.

Castel San Pietro Romano is a pleasant small village riding on the Mount Ginestro at 763 metres above sea level and just a few kilometers from the city of Palestrina.  The historic centre of the village  still keeps its urban-medieval layout and from here you can admire a stunning panoramic view of the Prenestinae mountains. Castel S. Pietro Romano takes its name from the Apostle Peter who, according to the legend, climbed up this mountain to preach the Christianity that opposed to the Dea Fortuna Primigenia’s faith, worshipped in the pagan Sanctuary below. During the Dark Ages a Benedictine Monastery was found in this site, where Pope Gregorio Magno would stay during the 6th Century. During the 12th Century this territory was enclosed in the feuds belonging to the Colonna family, that even built a castrum with a strategic and military purpose. Conflicts between the Colonna family and the papacy led to a first destruction of the site. The restoration of the fortress, patronized by Stefano Colonna in 1482, led to the development of the ancient village and the employment of the ancient castrum for civil and administrative activities.

 

Lunch:  at the trattoria Gasbarri will be based on local genuine home made products.  Typical menu’: home made fettucine and pappardelle al cinghiale , grilled meat or fish, fried artichokes and vegetables, cafè and home made cakes. Price range: 20-25 euros per person.

Tour highlights:

  • Explore the fascinating scenographic ruins of the sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia

  • Learn about the secrets of the oracle of the goddes

  • Enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the monti Prenestini ftom the sanctuary terrace

  • Visit the modern National Archeological Museum of the ancient Preneste

  • Learn about the history of one of the most important city of ancient Italy

  • Visit the medieval village of Castel San Pietro.

Tour Information

Meeting place

The guide will pick you up at your appartment in Rome

What's included

- Expert, English-speaking tour guide lecturer

Lunch

Will be based on the typical home-made local cuisine at the restaurant “Clementicchio” in the enchanting village of Castel San Pietro.

Tour price

€170 *
* the tour price does not include the Palestrina Archeological Museum entrance ticket and the lunch expenses. For the tour trasportation is possibile to book a private driver or rent a car
- Archaeological Museum of Palestrina entrance ticket: 5 euros
- Price for the private driver for the full day is of about 150 euros for three guests.
- Car rental price for the full day is of about : 70 euros.

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