The Civic Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery “Edilberto Rosa” of Amelia

In the heart of ancient Ameria—today Amelia, in the province of Terni—stands a place that safeguards centuries of history and artistic masterpieces: the Civic Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery “Edilberto Rosa.” Housed in the evocative rooms of the former Collegio Boccarini, once a Franciscan convent dating to the 13th–14th centuries and embellished with a 16th-century cloister, the museum offers an exciting journey through the ages, with special attention to the city’s glorious Roman past.

The exhibition route unfolds over multiple floors, providing a comprehensive overview of the events that shaped the Amerino area. The journey begins on the ground floor with the discovery of a pre-Roman necropolis dating to the 4th century BC, found outside Porta Romana. The rich funerary goods—goldwork, coins, and precious objects—attest to the intense commercial exchanges that linked the Umbrians of Ameria with the Hellenic world. The narrative then continues with the Romanization of Amelia from the 4th to the 1st century BC, through finds that illustrate the city’s evolution and the daily life of its inhabitants.

Germanicus: The Centerpiece of the Roman Collection

The focal point of the museum—and one of its most celebrated treasures—is undoubtedly the bronze statue of the Roman general Nero Claudius Drusus, known as Germanicus. Discovered in 1963 and standing over two meters tall, this imposing sculpture depicts him armed and wearing a richly decorated cuirass. The “Germanicus of Amelia” is a masterpiece of Roman statuary, probably originally placed in the city’s campus, the area used for physical and military training. A multimedia installation enriches the experience, giving “voice” to the statue and offering insights into the general’s life and deeds. Displayed around Germanicus are other important finds unearthed with the statue, such as funerary altars, capitals, and military trophies.

The Romanization of Amelia: Traces of an Empire

The museum continues its account of Romanization with a rich collection of inscriptions and funerary bases, evidence of Amelia’s illustrious families, including the Gens Roscia, mentioned even by Cicero. Of particular beauty is the so-called Altar of Dionysus, a magnificent 1st-century AD marble piece depicting the legendary birth of the god.

On the upper floor, the museum becomes an Art Gallery, preserving paintings from the 16th to the 17th century originating from local churches and palaces. Among these stands out the panel of Saint Anthony Abbot by Piermatteo Manfredi, known as d’Amelia, one of the leading Umbrian artists of the Renaissance. The presence of such works bears witness to a period of artistic flourishing in the city.

A Living, Interactive Museum

The Civic Archaeological Museum and the “Edilberto Rosa” Art Gallery is not only a place of conservation but also of public outreach. Multimedia and immersive installations guide visitors through the stories connected to Germanicus and the development of the Roman city. An equipped educational workshop offers learning opportunities for school groups and families.

Address: Piazza Augusto Vera, 10, 05022 Amelia (TR)

Contacts:

• Phone: +39 0744 978120

• Website: www.ameliamusei.it

Opening Hours:

• Monday: 10:00–13:00, 15:30–18:00

• Tuesday: 10:00–13:00, 15:30–18:00

• Wednesday: Closed

• Thursday: 10:00–13:00, 15:30–18:00

• Friday: 10:00–13:00, 15:30–18:00

• Saturday: 10:00–13:00, 15:30–18:00

• Sunday: 10:00–13:00, 15:30–22:00

Tickets:

• Full: €7.00

• Reduced A: €5.00 — groups of at least 15 people | Touring Club | FAI | University students | Museums in the Terre & Musei dell’Umbria Network | holders of a ticket for the Dodecagonal Bell Tower of Amelia | Otricoli Archaeological Area | Narni Medieval Spaces Circuit | National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia (Rome) | St. Patrick’s Well (Orvieto) | Narni Underground | Marmore Falls | Fossil Forest of Dunarobba | other agreements (see hospitality page)

• Reduced B: €2.00 — ages 6–18

• Free — residents of the Municipality of Amelia | children up to 5 | ICOM members | accredited journalists | licensed tour guides | school groups and children participating in educational activities | visitors with disabilities and one companion | birthday child from a family group

Family Tickets:

• Adults (max 2 accompanying adults): €5.00 each

• Children: €2.00 each

Guided Tours (Duration 1 hr 30 min)

For guided tours and special openings on days/times other than regular hours, email [email protected].

• Fixed fee for guided tour (groups up to 30 participants) — in addition to the City of Amelia Museum Circuit admission: €60.00

• Fixed fee for school guided tour — in addition to the City of Amelia Museum Circuit admission: €50.00

• Fixed fee for guided tour in a foreign language (English/French) — in addition to the City of Amelia Museum Circuit admission: €100.00

Cover photo credits: Italian Ministry of Culture