Sessa Aurunca: Ancient Suessa and the Historic Center

Sessa Aurunca lies in northern Campania near the extinct Roccamonfina volcanic complex. The modern town occupies part of ancient Suessa, within a territory inhabited by the Ausoni-Aurunci during the Iron Age. Suessa became a Latin colony following the Roman conquest of 313 BCE, and Roman, medieval, and later structures remain interwoven throughout the historic center.

The Roman theater was built under Augustus in the first century CE and enlarged under Antoninus Pius in the second century. Its seating area measured approximately 110 meters (361 feet) in diameter and could accommodate an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 spectators. The Cathedral of Sessa Aurunca was constructed primarily between 1103 and 1113. Its Romanesque plan and medieval decoration survive alongside substantial Baroque alterations made during the eighteenth century.

In Piazza Ercole, the Fontana dell’Ercole was created by sculptor Angelo Solari in 1825 to commemorate the completion of the public aqueduct. Its central sculpture depicts Hercules overpowering the Nemean lion. The fountain, stone-paved lanes, carved portals, churches, and civic buildings documented in 2015 reflect the successive Roman, medieval, and modern phases of Sessa Aurunca’s development.

Developments Since the Photographs Were Taken

The National Archaeological Museum of Sessa Aurunca opened in the Ducal Castle on December 18, 2024. Its displays trace the territory from the Iron Age Aurunci through Roman Suessa and include archaeological material associated with the Roman theater.