From Caserta there is an interesting trip (7km/4mi west) to the developing town of Santa Maria di Capua Vetere (36m/119ft; pop. 32,000), on the site of the ancient capital of Campania, Capua, which was originally founded by the Etruscans. As the center of this fertile region Capua became a wealthy and powerful city renowned for its luxury, but
after its destruction by the Saracens in the ninth century the town was moved to its present-day site.
In the northwest of the town is the Amphitheater, built in the reign of Augustus (A.D. first century) and restored by Hadrian, which was the largest in Italy until the building of the Colosseum in Rome (170m/561ft long, 140m/462ft across). Under the arena (76m/251ft long, 46m/152ft across) are well-preserved substructures (passages, cages for wild beasts). Near the amphitheater are the remains of a fine triumphal arch (three arches), dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian (A.D. second century).
Print this page
Add to Favorites
