Paduli: Appia Schools returns to Forum Novum with students from across

Appia Schools at Forum Novum: a hands-on archaeological lab

From 17 to 19 April 2026 the municipality of Paduli will host the second edition of “Appia Schools – Forum Novum – Laboratorio Appia Traiana”, a practical training programme for students from various Italian regions.

The initiative is part of the “Forum Novum: the origin of the Boroughs” project, funded by the PNRR and included in the management plan of the Via Appia – Regina Viarum. Its main aim is to enhance knowledge and access to the Forum Novum archaeological site and to prepare for the opening of the Via Appia Traiana Archaeological Museum.

• Activities: field workshops, practical lessons, guided tours and discussions with archaeologists and specialists;
• Participants: students from Rome, Brindisi, Benevento, Arzano and other towns;
• Scientific support: University of Salento, involved in excavations that revealed a stretch of Roman paving;
• Programme: reception and project presentation in Paduli, on-site activities, and a closing guided visit to Benevento’s historic centre.

The laboratory aims to test a model of experiential tourism linked to educational travel, with the goal of making Forum Novum increasingly usable and connected within the Appian Way network.

Anticipating the opening of the Via Appia Traiana Archaeological Museum, the event also offers practical training opportunities for young people interested in archaeology and cultural heritage promotion.