National Archaeological Museum “La Civitella”: A Journey through the History of Chieti

The National Archaeological Museum “La Civitella” in Chieti is a must-see destination for anyone wishing to explore the deep roots of ancient Abruzzo. Located in an area of great historical importance — the ancient acropolis of Teate — the museum offers a fascinating journey through the millennia, narrating the story of the city and the Marrucini people.

Inaugurated in 2000, the museum is housed in a modern architectural structure designed to harmonize perfectly with the surrounding archaeological landscape, which includes the remains of the Roman theatre. The exhibition layout combines priceless archaeological finds with innovative multimedia technologies, including videos and virtual reconstructions that make the visit both interactive and engaging for visitors of all ages.

The exhibition unfolds across two floors, guiding guests from prehistoric times — with reconstructions of huts and villages — to the Roman era, the city’s period of greatest splendor. Among the most remarkable finds are artifacts illustrating trade and craftsmanship during the Roman period: amphorae, tools, and everyday objects that tell the story of a thriving mercantile city.

Another section of great interest is devoted to religious practices and cults, featuring reconstructions of polychrome temple pediments that once adorned the acropolis. These fragments, recovered during archaeological excavations and meticulously reassembled, offer an extraordinary glimpse into the magnificence of the sacred architecture of the time. Equally captivating is the Vincenzo Zecca Collection, an extensive assemblage of artifacts that testify to the passion and pioneering work of one of Chieti’s early archaeologists.

The museum is not only a place of preservation but also a center for research and education, serving as an essential point of reference for the local community. Its strategic location, just steps from the Roman theatre and amphitheatre, encourages visitors to extend their exploration outdoors, tracing the ancient remains of Teate, which still emerge amid the modern urban fabric of Chieti

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Generale Pianell, s.n.c., Chieti (CH)
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (closed on Mondays). The ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time.
• Ticket:
  • Full: €5.00
  • Reduced: €2.00 (EU citizens aged 18–25)
  • Free: for visitors under 18 and other eligible categories; free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month.
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0871 63137
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: musei.abruzzo.cultura.gov.it

A visit to the National Archaeological Museum “La Civitella” is a journey into the very origins of Chieti — an experience that blends history, art, and emotion, revealing how the traces of ancient Teate still live on in the heart of modern Abruzzo.

Cover photo credits: Cats’ photos – licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0