Via Francigena
With its 3,200 km, this historic medieval itinerary crosses five countries (England, France, Switzerland, Vatican City, and Italy), sixteen regions, and more than six hundred municipalities, as we explore in the path
and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regions in France; the Vaud and Valais cantons in Switzerland; and the regions of Valle d’Aosta
the symbolic location of the Jubilee.
we have chosen to travel up the boot of Italy
narrating the Via Francigena from south to north
there will be plenty of travel tips on the route
highlighting the best stages and sharing some fascinating facts.
The Via Francigena in southern Lazio represents the gateway to southern Italy
divided into 12 stages that traverse captivating landscapes of history and nature
This section of the Via Francigena South is a meeting point of history
Lazio, and in particular the city of Rome, is the beating heart of this ancient route. Rome was, and remains, the arrival point for many pilgrims who journeyed from Europe to reach Saint Peter’s tomb, but it is also the place where another significant part of the journey begins: the departure from the city and the start of the pilgrimage south.
pilgrimage and trade routes across Europe were vital and remained so until the advent of the railways in the 19th century
and Jerusalem were the main centres in a network that connected cities
which crosses the entire continent vertically
was not simply a route from Canterbury to Rome
Pilgrims leaving Rome for the south could choose different paths that generally converged at two important hubs: Capua and Benevento
the most frequented route was the Appia Traiana
“finis Italiae.” The coastal cities of Puglia
were key ports for pilgrims heading to the Holy Land
a phenomenon that flourished until the 13th century
pilgrims leave the grandeur of the capital and enter a landscape rich in spirituality and history
marking a symbolic boundary between the central and northern worlds and the southern lands
rewarded by the many unforgettable monuments that can be admired along the way
The Via Francigena continues towards sacred and spiritual places
but also towards a series of landscapes that have long symbolised resistance and tradition.
The southern Lazio section of the Via Francigena is particularly rich in iconic locations that link ancient history with medieval spirituality.
one of the oldest and most famous Roman roads
connected Rome to the southern regions of Italy
and remains today a place to walk and immerse oneself in the history of the Roman Empire and the spirituality of pilgrimage.
It was designed in 312 BC by the censor Appius Claudius Caecus with the goal of creating a fast route between Rome and Capua
to facilitate troop movements during the Second Samnite War (326-304 BC)
the route was extended to the port of Brindisi
This extension made the Appian Way the “Queen of Roads” during the Roman era.
during his escape from Rome to avoid Nero’s persecution
the apostle Peter met Christ and asked Him
where are you going?” – to which Jesus replied
“I am going to Rome to be crucified.” The apostle
marking one of Christianity’s most symbolic moments
the Church of Domine Quo Vadis was built at the crossroads with the Via Ardeatina
which remains a pilgrimage destination.
Terracina boasts a long history spanning different periods
from ancient times to the Roman and medieval eras
the city was an important commercial and transit hub due to its location along the Appian Way.
One of the main points of interest is the Temple of Jupiter Anxur
offering a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the sea
The temple dates back to the 1st century BC and remains one of the most visited sites in the city
the historic centre preserves significant remains from the Roman era
a fortification that highlights the city’s defensive role.
linking the imagery of the journey south with mythology and local traditions.
Fun fact: the Legend of Monte Circeo
The myth is still present in local traditions
where stories of Circe and her spells are passed down through generations
The silhouette of this mountain also resembles that of a woman lying down
symbolising the figure of the Sorceress.
One of the most evocative places on the route is
which welcomes pilgrims with its monastic tranquillity and the beauty of its style
it is one of the main examples of Cistercian architecture in Italy
Its construction reflects the sobriety and functionality typical of the order
with a Gothic style that stands out for its essential elegance
which features an impressive central nave and tall stained glass windows that allow light to flood the interior
creating a mystical and peaceful atmosphere.
An additional fascinating aspect is the cloister
a large open space surrounded by elegant arcades
offering a sense of peace and contemplation
there are also numerous frescoes and sculptures
testifying to the artistic importance of the place
A significant aspect of the abbey’s history is its connection to Saint Thomas Aquinas
with his tomb located inside the church.
Rome has always played a fundamental role in the history of pilgrimage
not only as the capital of the Roman Empire but also as the spiritual heart of Christianity
it became one of the main departure points for pilgrimages to the Holy Land and other sacred places
Its significance was tied to the presence of the relics of saints and martyrs
particularly those of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
which attracted thousands of pilgrims in search of salvation
The city was therefore viewed as a key destination in the medieval pilgrimage journey
not only as the final goal but also as a starting point for many pilgrims heading towards Jerusalem
traversed Europe to reach Rome before continuing south
always serving as a crossroads for travellers across the continent.
This route was not only a physical journey but also a true spiritual voyage that united the Christian traditions of various countries
alongside the economic and military needs of the time
many travelling along the Via Appia – one of the most important roads in the Roman era – to reach the ports of Apulia and embark for other destinations.
The southern Lazio region is not only a place of history and spirituality but also a land rich in culinary traditions that reflect the local culture
which is the king of the Roman table and is even referred to as “the eighth wonder of Rome,” is the artichoke
Widely cultivated in Mediterranean regions
it was valued by the Ancient Egyptians for its beneficial and medicinal properties
and it was frequently used in the preparation of remedies
Although it’s unclear who first discovered this plant
it has certainly always been used in cooking
with legends telling of its use by the Ancient Greeks
where it was served with a fine glass of wine.
there are primarily two ways to enjoy artichokes
which are often confused: carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes) and carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes).
the artichokes are cut with a knife to give them a rounded
they are left to rest and then re-dipped in the oil for a second fry
resulting in a deliciously crispy texture.
This recipe is said to have been prepared in Rome’s Jewish ghetto between 1555 and 1870 to celebrate Pesach
which coincided with the harvest season for this vegetable.
Carciofi alla romana are prepared with the same type of artichokes and similar ingredients
which are chopped and placed inside the artichoke
are then slow-cooked in a mix of oil and water.
Two specialties that no pilgrim should miss along the way!
each artichoke should be paired with a glass of fine wine
the wines of the Castelli Romani – an area known for its ancient wine tradition – pair perfectly with local dishes
We recommend visiting one of the many fraschette
where you can sample all the Roman specialties and
finish the meal with the famous wine biscuits!
Finally, we must mention the sweetness of the strawberries from Nemi, a fruit that thrives in this land, with a unique and unmistakable taste, symbolising a fertile and bountiful region rich in natural products. These strawberries are so prized that they have earned their own festival, the Sagra delle Fragole
to celebrate the start of the harvest season.
Fun fact: the legend of the strawberries of Nemi
It is said that these strawberries were born from the tears of Venus
They were later transformed into small red hearts
It is also believed that they had magical powers
such as the ability to drive snakes away from the forests.
2025 is shaping up to be the ideal year to rediscover the joy of slow travel and sustainable tourism, thanks to the holidays that will provide numerous long weekends, as we have seen here
the Via Francigena in Lazio is the perfect choice.
2-Day Itinerary (Rome – Velletri)
Day 1: From Rome to Castel Gandolfo
passing ancient sites such as the Tomb of Geta
Day 2: On the second day, set off on a 21.3 km journey from Castel Gandolfo to Velletri
The route passes through a dense forest area surrounding Lake Albano
The second part of the journey leads through Nemi
Day 1: From Rome to Castel Gandolfo
Day 2: Castel Gandolfo to Velletri
5-Day Itinerary (Fossanova Abbey – Minturno)
Day 1: From Fossanova Abbey to Terracina, a 20 km route, currently under maintenance, with an alternative path available here
The star of the day is certainly Fossanova Abbey
it is an example of early Italian Gothic architecture
Its name comes from a cloaca (drain) that existed at the origins of the small village.
Day 2: From Terracina, head through Piazza Palatina, passing a stretch of the Appian Way and then 2 km of dirt road, until reaching Monte San Biagio. Descend to the Monastery of San Magno, a place of historical significance dating back to the 6th century, which pilgrims should not miss. The route ends in Fondi after 22 km
where you can relax in the town centre or visit the Caetani Baronial Castle.
Day 3: From Fondi to Itri
don’t miss the churches of San Michele Arcangelo
one of the most picturesque and best-preserved stretches of the Ancient Appian Way.
Day 4: From Itri to Formia
with its medieval district “Castellone,” is home to various churches
Other points of interest include the cylindrical tower
Day 5: From Formia to Minturno
venture right towards the Gianole and Monte di Scauri Regional Natural Park
continuing into the coastal region of Scauri – Minturno
then visit the archaeological area of the ancient Minturnae
before crossing the river into Campania.
Plan Your Stages and Itineraries
This article was published as part of the project: Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione – Piano Sviluppo e Coesione
under the ownership of the Italian Ministry of Culture (Card 33 – Via Francigena – Cross-cutting actions
Transmission of the project card “Communication and Promotion Plan”).
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the Municipality of Minturno will receive the prestigious award of “Tsunami Ready”
He is the first in Italy to receive it from the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO)
Head of the Tsunami Warning Center (CAT) ofNational Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) and President for the UNESCO Tsunami Early Warning and Mitigation System
Curator of the Tsunami Ready project in the area
The program "Tsunami-Ready" promotes tsunami risk preparedness
Civil Protection and citizens in order to improve safety throughout the emergency phase
Minturno began the accreditation process in July 2020
becoming the first municipality in the Euro-Mediterranean area to adopt the tsunami risk mitigation program
various interventions have been carried out
installation of warning systems and evacuation simulations in schools
The path undertaken by the municipality of Minturno represents an example of cohesion and awareness towards risk reduction
strengthening the resilience of the local community
Photo - The sign Tsunami Danger present on the beach of Minturno
The contents published on these pages by theNational Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology are distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
We have the address for the funeral home & the family on file
If you're not happy with your card we'll send a replacement or refund your money
Joseph Angelo Conte, 89, of Syracuse, passed away on Sunday April 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Italian immigrants from Minturno, Italy. Born in Jamesville, NY on July 3, 1935, to Vincenzo and Elisabetta (Lombardi)... View Obituary & Service Information
Click here to watch the funeral Mass
Available by phone 24/7
the Di Meo family produce all they need to dine like gourmets
it's all served with Italian hospitality — and a slice of wild cherry tart
This article was adapted from National Geographic Traveller (UK).Having found what I hope is the correct unnamed street
I'm reassured to see Gemma waving at the gate
She directs my car to a spot beneath the shade of a lemon tree
A warm welcome is followed by maternal worry — about the weather
the last coastal town before the region of Lazio becomes Campania
It's taken two and a half hours to drive here from Rome
Filippo laughs and shakes his pinched fingers at my journey along the Pontina and Appia — both B roads — when the motorway would have shaved an hour off that time
one of ancient Rome's most important roads
cuts through a changing landscape of reclaimed marshland
linking important towns to appealing seaside spots: San Felice Circeo
The final payoff for an extra hour in the car was the taste of the sea on my lips along a stretch known locally as Costa d'Oro ('golden coast')
which twists and rises through craggy almost-mountains and past holiday resorts
to eat Sunday lunch with Filippo and Gemma Di Meo
seven-year-old Arianna and four-year-old Filippo
I'm greeted by the warm fug of cooking smells and the sound of a cartoon on the TV
The house was built in the 1960s next to the house Filippo was born in
I'm familiar with insistent Italian hospitality
Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home
"Are you sure you wouldn't like more coffee
or juice?" "Would Luca like a biscuit?" "What time would you like to eat lunch?"
Involtini di manzo (beef rolls braised in tomato sauce) are spluttering on the stove
Gemma explains how she rolled the slices of beef around batons of carrot and celery and secured them with a cocktail stick before simmering in the sauce
She's also preparing chicken with potatoes and rosemary
while her son is bringing fresh mozzarella di bufala and her daughter-in-law a wild cherry tart
and garlic peeled and squashed with the heel of Gemma's hand
kitchen advice is mixed with talk of her sons
of learning to make preserves as a young girl
and her frustration at not being as strong as she once was
I'm about to ask where she buys her ingredients when I realise everything we've seen
he has one of the longest-running and best fruit and vegetable stalls at my local market in Testaccio
Other stallholders joke that he's the most famous and photographed — which is most likely true — because he's affable and approachable
with very dark eyebrows and a Christopher Walken-esque crest of white hair
His greeting as he walks into the kitchen is much the same as the one he gives at the market: a raised arm
"tutto bene?" ('all good?')
He takes me to a storeroom across the yard
which is unsurprising given the two large aluminium tanks
each one 6ft high with the girth of a tractor tyre
Filippo has brought two empty bottles from the kitchen
He sits them beneath the tap on one of the tanks and twists — the bottle is filled with a rush of liquid
the room with the thick scent of fermented grapes
inky purple; a mix of three grapes grown locally by two of Filippo's brothers: Negroamaro (an ancient indigenous variety)
Also just for the family is passata di pomodoro (tomato conserve)
100 bottles of which — maybe more — line the shelves
cured by Filippo and his brothers as a way of preserving the pig slaughtered each December
Gemma is choosing a lettuce from the six or so picked that morning
she tells me the great pleasure of having a modern house — of not living the hard
poor way they did as children — is that the produce
animals and earth stay outside and her house is clean
and as we drive there he points out houses the way a tour guide would: the home of his brother who grows grapes
A pop song by Loredana Berté plays on the radio
We make a pit stop to stand on the sea wall and look out towards the island of Ponza while Filippo has a cigarette
this is a hugely popular destination for families
and even on a grey day like today the arching bay is impressive
The land in these parts is good — natural salt meeting volcanic soil and elevation
enough rain in winter to see it through the long
It's land that begets some of Italy's great produce: olives
greens and citrus in autumn and winter; deep red tomatoes and watermelons the size of basketballs in summer
whose rich milk produces some of the best mozzarella
There's little to see at this time of year
Filippo tells me as we walk out over one of his fields
artichokes and a variety of chicory called puntarelle
His 'little' seems like an abundance to me
Most of his and Gemma's extended family still farm and own much of the local land
as between them they produce everything they need
as fewer children follow in their parents' footsteps and supermarkets undercut the true cost of ingredients
Filippo grabs a handful of hay for the horse
There are also half-a-dozen chickens and two-dozen rabbits to feed
intricately woven and painted pictures leaning against the shed
including a particularly beautiful one of St Francis
They were all made by Filippo for the local festa del grano
festival of grain — a ritual dating back to ancient Roman times
which sees the whole village celebrate the wheat harvest with a parade and a feast
Filippo cuts some sprouting broccoli for me to take back to Rome
we climb in the car and drive back the long way
so we can pause to look up at the ancient town of Minturno
Filippo pulls out photographs of the festa to show me
It's touching to see the pictures of him and his brothers in the parade at every stage of their lives: as young boys
He was nine years old when he first took the train to Rome with his older brother to work
Filippo was given his own stall at Testaccio Market
Half a century later he still wakes up at 3am each morning to drive the hour and half into Rome
He arrives back in Scauri at 5pm and goes straight to his land to prepare for the next day
Sunday is his day for resting — and eating
The front door bursts opens and the two grandchildren charge in
but more often than not they eat here — and always on a Sunday
A true Pranzo domenicale (family Sunday lunch)
Then antipasti: salami and vegetables preserved in olive oil
I ask if many families grow and preserve as much of their food as they do
That's because it's a town of farmers
because his parents' generation still know how to live by the seasons
isn't following in his family's footsteps; he works for the local council
The sauce from the beef rolls is served with wide tubes of pasta called paccheri
The rolls themselves are part of the secondo
I'm asked what I think — Gemma insisting I tell the truth because
how you eat is often as important as what you eat; Sunday is the day for mangiata
Family lunches are central to Italian culture and can go on for hours; bread — an extra piece of cutlery — is used to wipe plates clean
Manuela laughs; for them it's a five out of 10 — just wait until the buffalos eat grass with spring herbs
the children — tired of being at the table — are playing
Filippo keeps attempting to refill glasses
Manuela needs to take her family some vegetables
"La crostata!" cries Gemma — the cherry tart
Published in Issue 2 of National Geographic Traveller Food
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I'm reassured to see Gemma waving at the gate
about whether I've had enough coffee."]},{"type":"p","content":["Scauri is a district of Minturno
It's taken two and a half hours to drive here from Rome
one of ancient Rome's most important roads
The final payoff for an extra hour in the car was the taste of the sea on my lips along a stretch known locally as Costa d'Oro ('golden coast')
before arriving in Scauri."]},{"type":"p","content":["I've come with my son
I'm greeted by the warm fug of cooking smells and the sound of a cartoon on the TV
I'm familiar with insistent Italian hospitality
\"Are you sure you wouldn't like more coffee
She's also preparing chicken with potatoes and rosemary
Would we like antipasti too?"]},{"type":"p","content":["As the potatoes are chopped
and garlic peeled and squashed with the heel of Gemma's hand
I'm about to ask where she buys her ingredients when I realise everything we've seen
raised or made by a member of the family."]},{"type":"p","content":["It may be my first time meeting Gemma
Other stallholders joke that he's the most famous and photographed — which is most likely true — because he's affable and approachable
\"tutto bene?\" ('all good?')."]},{"type":"p","content":["He takes me to a storeroom across the yard
inky purple; a mix of three grapes grown locally by two of Filippo's brothers: Negroamaro (an ancient indigenous variety)
Montepulciano and Primitivo."]},{"type":"p","content":["Filippo describes his wine as simple
cured by Filippo and his brothers as a way of preserving the pig slaughtered each December."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":"fitt-article-inline-box","className":"fitt-article-inline-box"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[300,250]},"regular":{"size":[300,250]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["As we walk back across the yard
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It's land that begets some of Italy's great produce: olives
whose rich milk produces some of the best mozzarella."]},{"type":"p","content":["There's little to see at this time of year
His 'little' seems like an abundance to me
Most of his and Gemma's extended family still farm and own much of the local land
as fewer children follow in their parents' footsteps and supermarkets undercut the true cost of ingredients."]},{"type":"p","content":["Filippo grabs a handful of hay for the horse
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so we can pause to look up at the ancient town of Minturno."]},{"type":"p","content":["Back at the house
It's touching to see the pictures of him and his brothers in the parade at every stage of their lives: as young boys
Sunday is his day for resting — and eating."]},{"type":"p","content":["The front door bursts opens and the two grandchildren charge in
A true Pranzo domenicale (family Sunday lunch)."]},{"type":"p","content":["Bread
because his parents' generation still know how to live by the seasons
isn't following in his family's footsteps; he works for the local council."]},{"type":"p","content":["More wine is poured and glasses raised
I'm asked what I think — Gemma insisting I tell the truth because
what can you be honest about?"]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-3"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[320,50]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["With Italian meals
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Manuela laughs; for them it's a five out of 10 — just wait until the buffalos eat grass with spring herbs
our return visit in summer."]},{"type":"p","content":["Hours have passed
\"La crostata!\" cries Gemma — the cherry tart
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Paola Bacchia digs down into the culinary culture of Italy’s Adriatic coast
serving as a picturesque backdrop to the city's vibrant yet traditional food scene.","ttl":"Stockholm Gamla Stan","rchDsc":{"markup":"Gamla Stan is the historic core of Stockholm
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Trieste has a cafe culture that was influenced by the grand salons of Habsburg Vienna
biscuits and a slice of cake being carried","crdt":"Photograph by Matteo Carassale
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afternoon tea evolved as a light meal composed of finger food and pastries served in tearooms
O Melhor Pastel de Nata was founded in 2009
a competition held among Lisbon patisseries to determine the best pastel in the region
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As one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet
Italy offers a multitude of places to experience inspirational art and culture
or soak up the Mediterranean sun on chic loungers overlooking the deep blue sea
that also means not many corners are left relatively unexplored
and fashionable resorts are frequently packed with guests during the summer months
Travelers looking for a taste of la dolce vita should turn their attention to the coastal city of Maratea, where the boutique hotel Santavenere offers breathtaking views over a rocky coast dotted with terracotta-tiled rooflines
Built in 1953 by a prominent wool industrialist from Piedmont
many of Santavenere’s original details have been maintained
particularly in the 34 guest suites which are outfitted with charming details like Vietri tiles in gelato-like shades of pink and green
Included in the renovation was the transformation of eight garden rooms by Italian architect Pino Brescia
Spacious communal areas boast an equally authentic atmosphere which carries through to the property’s three restaurants and cozy corner bars
guests can savor traditional-style pizza at tables set outdoors among olive trees and aromatic flora or enjoy sea-to-table dishes at The Carob
which occupies a waterfront terrace perfect for taking in romantic sunset views
the location’s 32,000 square feet of landscape allows for plenty of room to roam
Guests are invited to partake in yoga classes
or explore the craggy Tyrrhenian coast that is punctuated with secluded caves
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We present a combined geomorphological and biochronological study aimed at providing age constraints to the deposits forming a wide paleo-surface in the coastal area of the Tyrrhenian Sea
We review the faunal assemblage recovered in Campoverde
evidencing the occurrence of the modern fallow deer subspecies Dama dama dama
which in peninsular Italy is not present before MIS 5e
providing a post-quem terminus of 125 ka for the deposit hosting the fossil remains
The geomorphological reconstruction shows that Campoverde is located within the highest of three paleosurfaces progressively declining towards the present coast
The two lowest paleosurfaces match the elevation of the previously recognized marine terraces in this area; we define a new
upper marine terrace corresponding to the 36 m paleosurface
Based on the provided evidence of an age as young as MIS 5e for this terrace
we discuss the possibility that previous identification of a tectonically stable MIS 5e coastline ranging 10–8 m a.s.l
with significant implications on assessment of the amplitude of sea-level oscillations during the Last Interglacial in the Mediterranean Sea
Inner edges and elevation (m a.s.l.) of a suite of three coastal terraces reconstructed in this work south of Anzio is also shown
and the higher Campoverde complex recognized in this study
we have performed a geomorphological study of the coastal area southeast of Anzio
and we have re-analyzed the faunal remains hosted at the Nettuno museum with the aim of providing biochronological constraints to the Campoverde paleosurface
in order to check its chronological relationships with the 36 m terrace north of Anzio
and with the sea-level indicators attributed to MIS 5e in this area
we have re-analyzed the lithic artifacts recovered along with the faunal remains in Campoverde
aiming to provide techno-typological and taphonomic information to support the paleontological and paleoenvironmental interpretations provided in this paper
The mammal fossils from Campoverde have been reexamined and re-measured for the present work
breadth; MTD: transverse diameter of diaphysis; MAPD: antero-posterior diameter of diaphysis; DTD: distal transverse diameter; DAPD: distal antero-posterior diameter; DB/L index: distal transverse diameter/length * 100; MB/L index: transverse diameter of diaphysis/length * 100
while the remaining lithic industries have been analysed for this paper
based on the identification of a set of flat surfaces characterized by topographic culminations with elevation ranging through a few meters around a mean value
Selected topographic culminations of the reconstructed paleosurfaces were detected on the 1:25.000 topographic maps of Italy edited by Istituto Geografico Militare (IGM) (sheets: 158 I SO
5 m spaced contour line) and other quasi-equivalent points within almost closed contour lines bordering plateau-like sectors
Distribution of the topographic culminations has been statistically analyzed in order to verify the occurrence of discrete elevation intervals corresponding to peaks of concentration
which can be assumed as the mean value for each paleosurface
The identification of the paleosurfaces implies a combined approach that integrates statistically significant concentrations of elevations around a mean value
and the morphologic evidence for the concentration of these elevation points within a finite area
while inner margins represented by solid colored lines are reported for the lower paleosurfaces
less well preserved paleosurface is suggested by a series of topographic culminations ranging 51–58 m a.s.l
Given its limited extent at the margin of the investigated coastal sector
a possible inner margin for this paleosurface is not reported
the sands are covered by a layer of greenish clay to sandy clay loam
Outcrop of the deposits forming the Campoverde complex (photo by authors)
The following taxa have been identified in the faunal assemblage of Campoverde (Table 1)
The presence of the straight-tusked elephant is indicated by several upper and lower molars
and numerous fragments of ribs and vertebrae
testifies to the presence of this species at Campoverde
Many fragments of upper and lower teeth and some fragmented post-cranial bone remains of Rhinoceratidae can be referred generically to genus Stephanorhinus
one was probably worked to realize a bone tool
and it can be prudently attributed to Stephanorhinus cf
show the typical morphology of the Cervidae
and (c) proximal radius of Dama dama dama (photos by authors)
(d) Scatter diagram of major measurements (mm) of the fallow deer subspecies proximal radius
A couple of brachydont lower check-teeth with very small sizes can be referred to C
(a) Lithic industry from the first technocomplex (re-drawn here from original drawings by2)
(b) Artifacts displaying the brownish polished patina (authors image)
identified on few artifacts (authors image)
(d) Artifacts displaying carbonate concretions (authors image)
A second collection of 317 implements from Campoverde has been recently analysed for this study
The main features are the preponderance of unretouched blanks (=179)
notches and denticulates (13%) and rare borers (2%) were identified
The Levallois technique is rarely observed (3%)
Cores are perfectly distributed among centripetal (23%)
prepared platform (23%) and shapeless or exhausted (23%)
globular (8%) flaked pebbles (8%) and a single chopper core (3,5%) are identified
The ichnotraces are probably attributable to encrusting aquatic organisms
and suggest that the area experienced marine conditions after the lithics were discarded
The encrustations seem to support a wet habitat
since these are identified as carbonate concretions with nodules and/or crystals of manganese (or iron)
and strongly suggest that these specimens come from the whitish layer of carbonate lagoon mud
the second assemblage does not show patinas or encrustation of any type
Taphonomic analyses suggest that different depositional dynamics characterise the industries composing this collection
which certainly reached the site from diverse source areas
likely at some distance for those implements with rounded edges
Otherwise from specimens with the brownish polished patina
which point to a prolonged emplacement within a peat deposit
those without patina were most probably discarded in the area in a period of time when it was characterized by a different environmental/geological framework
Some of the brownish specimens display both ichnotraces and carbonate encrustations
while the first assemblage features diverse taphonomy
suggesting extremely disparate and problematic depositional dynamics
the second assemblage presents an extended homogeneity indicating an almost contemporary deposition of the artifacts
which are not reported among the fossil remains of Campoverde
dominant group indicative of a later stage 5 age (0.29
These data suggest the occurrence of reworked
older shells from the MIS 5e terrace conglobated within the deposit of a younger transgressive cycle
according to the correlation proposed in this paper with MIS 5a for the Minturno complex
the techno-typological study supports interpretation of the collection recovered at Campoverde as composed of two different technocomplexes
with the first assemblage highlighting a predominance of denticulates whilst the second is mainly composed of side scrapers
Taphonomic and techno-typological characteristics suggest a different chronological attribution of the assemblages which
can be generally assigned to the MIS 7–5a timeframe
We believe that the new data presented in this paper require reconsideration of the sea-level history during the Last Interglacial Stage for the central Mediterranean Sea so far conceived
provide new insights on the tectonic history of the Tyrrhenian Sea Margin of central Italy
evidencing a uniform uplift affecting the whole coastal reach of this region since 125 ka
no safe geochronologic constraint to this sea-level exists in the literature
and future work needs to be addressed aimed at providing direct dating of the associated deposits
of those associated with the 26 m and with the 36 m terraces in this area
All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article
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Director at museum “Antiquarium Comunale” in Nettuno
to Annalisa Zarattini and Micaela Angle of Soprintendenza Archeologia del Lazio e dell’Etruria meridionale
for authorizing the study of the fossil remains and of the lithic industries
and the reproduction of photographs of the materials from Campoverde
for precious information and field support
This research has been financially supported by the DTS-MIUR NextData project
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia
performed the paleontological analyses and wrote the paleontological section
performed the paleontological analyses and contributed to write the paleontological section
performed the palethnological analyses and wrote the palethnological section
discussed the results of the study and commented on the manuscript
The authors declare no competing interests
Publisher’s note: Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-36111-x
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