National Archaeological Museum of Arcevia: A Journey Through Time Among the Hills of the Marche Regi

In the heart of the Marche region, just a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea and nestled among the rolling hills that shape the landscape of Arcevia, lies a museum that tells centuries of history. The National Archaeological Museum of Arcevia, inaugurated in 1996, is the main reference point for the ancient history of the area—a place that preserves and enhances the traces left by ancient civilizations. The museum is housed within the evocative Cloister of San Francesco, a historic building that blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, where every corner seems to tell a story.

A Museum That Tells the Story of the Land

The National Archaeological Museum of Arcevia is not just a place to admire artifacts, but a true journey through time, guiding visitors across millennia of history. Its collections focus on prehistoric and protohistoric archaeology, with particular attention to the civilizations that inhabited these lands before the Roman era. The area has been inhabited since the Upper Paleolithic, as evidenced by flint tools found in the nearby locality of Ponte di Pietra.

The exhibition path is a kind of timeline that begins with the Paleolithic, featuring objects that tell the story of hunters and gatherers, and continues through the Roman and medieval periods, passing through the Copper Age and the Bronze Age, with fascinating finds from Monte Croce Guardia, one of the most significant necropolises in the area. The collection includes vases, funerary urns, ceramics, weapons, and ornaments, offering insights into how these populations lived, what cultural exchanges occurred with neighboring peoples, and how their societies were organized.

A Treasure of Local History and Culture

The museum plays a vital role in showcasing a heritage often overlooked by mainstream tourist routes. Its history is closely tied to the work of Agostino Monti and Anselmo Anselmi, two pioneers of local archaeology who, in the late 19th century, discovered and cataloged the first artifacts in the area. Today, the Monti-Anselmi collection is one of the museum’s highlights, featuring valuable objects and testimonies that narrate the Gallic and pre-Roman culture of the region.

One of the most striking sections of the museum is dedicated to the necropolis of Montefortino. Here, funerary items reveal the life of the Senones Gauls, a people who settled in this part of the Marche between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE and played a crucial role during the wars against Rome. Weapons, gold jewelry, ceramics, and imported goods testify to the wealth and complexity of these pre-Roman civilizations.

A Living Museum, Accessible to All

The National Archaeological Museum of Arcevia is not just a repository of artifacts—it’s a cultural center that invites reflection, discovery, and participation. The museum regularly organizes educational workshops, themed events, and activities for schools and families, creating opportunities for audiences of all ages to engage with history in a dynamic and immersive way. Its educational mission is to bring history to life through the senses, allowing everyone to connect deeply and meaningfully with the past.

Visitor Information

Address: 
Corso Mazzini, 64
60011 Arcevia (AN)

Opening Hours: 
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
First two Sundays of the month: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Other Sundays and holidays: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Tickets: 
Full price: €3.00
Reduced (ages 18–25): €2.00
Free: for minors under 18 and according to current regulations

How to Get There: 
Arcevia is accessible by car or regional buses. Once in the town center, the museum is just a short walk from the main square, inside the Cloister of San Francesco. Parking is available nearby.

Why Visit the Archaeological Museum of Arcevia

The National Archaeological Museum of Arcevia is a must-see for anyone passionate about history, archaeology, and local culture. The charm of the medieval town of Arcevia, with its winding streets, views of the Marche hills, and tranquil atmosphere, makes the visit even more special. Here, you’ll find not just artifacts, but stories of peoples who lived and shaped our territory—a rich and often forgotten resource that offers countless insights into understanding the past.

Cover photo: Conelle – National Archaeological Museum of Arcevia