Paduli: "Appia Schools" returns to Forum Novum with on-site archaeology

Paduli: "Appia Schools" returns to Forum Novum

When: 17–19 April 2026
Where: Forum Novum archaeological site and Benevento historic centre

The second edition of Appia Schools – Forum Novum offers a practical field workshop for students from across Italy. The activity is part of the project "Forum Novum: the origin of the Boroughs", funded by the national recovery plan (PNRR) under measures for enhancing the attractiveness of small towns, with oversight by the Ministry of Culture.

Main aim: provide direct knowledge of the Forum Novum archaeological area along the Via Traiana and to pilot experiential tourism models tailored to school trips.

• Field laboratories focused on the archaeological site;
• Guided tours of the newly uncovered paved road section;
• Sessions with specialists and archaeologists;
• Final-day guided visit to Benevento's historic centre.

The project benefits from scientific collaboration with the University of Salento, which is conducting excavations that brought to light sections of the ancient road. The initiative aims to increase accessibility to Forum Novum and connect it more effectively to the Via Appia - Regina Viarum network, promoting educational and cultural itineraries.

This event precedes the scheduled May opening of the Archaeological Museum of the Via Appia Traiana, to be housed in the Ducal Palace of Paduli and designed to display finds and materials related to the study of the Via Traiana and its landscape.