On the trail of the Pretuzi

Duration: 1 day

The itinerary offers a fascinating journey to discover the first inhabitants of Ager Pretutianus.
The Italic population of the Pretuzi, chose to create, in the shadow of the Twin Mountains, a city to commemorate their dead, leaving their important traces inside the Necropolis of Campovalano. The plain, with its geological characteristics, has created a sort of air bubble that has crystallized the tombs and their treasures with them for centuries.
Following in the footsteps of these ancient inhabitants of Campli, the first stage of your visit will be dedicated to one of the most important archaeological sites in Abruzzo and Central Italy: the archaeological area of ​​the Necropolis of Campovalano The site, 2 kilometers from the historic center , can be reached by car or comfortably on foot in less than 30 minutes, through the nordickwalking path n.1 which will lead you to the verdant plain of Campovalano (openings, Mon-Fri. 9: 00-15: 00, Saturday and Sunday upon reservation with the possibility of taking advantage of a guided tour by the expert staff of the ABAP Superintendency of Abruzzo). A five-minute walk from the Necropolis you will find the Church of San Pietro Apostolo, one of the oldest medieval religious complexes in the region.
We recommend a stop at the butcher's shop of a master porchettaio, for a tasty breakfast based on porchetta, a typical dish of the gastronomic tradition of Campli, already present in the banquets of the Italic populations. The National Archaeological Museum, housed in the rooms of the former Convent of San Francesco (13th century).
Inside the exhibition rooms you will find the precious finds found in the Necropolis of Campovalano.
After the fascinating journey back in time, we recommend a visit to the historic center of Campli and its main monuments. From Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II you can admire the medieval architecture of Palazzo Farnese, one of the oldest civic buildings in Abruzzo, the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria in Platea with its Renaissance art treasures and the ancient Crypt which in turn it houses the Marian Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, protector of the city. At the end of your itinerary, do not miss a visit to the Sanctuary of the Scala Santa.

For information and reservations:
Archaeological area of ​​the Necropolis of Campovalano
Piazzale San Gabriele, 1 Campovalano 64012 Campli TE
e-mail: campovalano.necropoli@gmail.com
Tel. +39 366 9615902

National Archeologic Museum
Piazza San Francesco, 1 - 64012 Campli TE
Tel. +39 0861 569158

Tourist Office of the Municipality of Campli
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 4
Tel. +39 0861 5601207
E-mail: turismo@comune.campli.te.it