{"id":13676,"date":"2018-09-01T13:21:25","date_gmt":"2018-09-01T13:21:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?p=13676"},"modified":"2019-05-28T09:36:09","modified_gmt":"2019-05-27T23:36:09","slug":"altilia-saepinum-italy-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?p=13676","title":{"rendered":"Altilia Saepinum, Italy 2018 \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Date: &nbsp;31st August 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Travelled: &nbsp;138 kilometres Monte Cassino in Lazio to Sepino in Campania, Italy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visited: &nbsp;The Abbey of Monte Cassino and the archeological site at Altilia Saepinum&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stayed: &nbsp;Altilia Saepinum car-park, free. No services. &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/kxphEJ29NAzNhsET9\">N41.43228, E14.61656<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Budget: &nbsp;90 days @ \u20ac96 per day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally the last visitor left the Polish cemetery and they locked the gate. &nbsp;It was another quiet night, except the barking dog from Vesuvios has followed us to the Monte Cassino and started barking here at the same time. &nbsp;We are starting to think Italian dogs are a pain in the arse. &nbsp;Other than that it was a good night and obviously free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The abbey opens at 8.45am so we have our coffee and fruit before locking up and walking up the hill. &nbsp;No point driving up 500 metres and having to pay for parking. &nbsp;Given we are over budget on this year\u2019s trip, thanks to some expensive ferries and 3-4 weeks in campsites with the air-conditioner running, we are hoping to get back to the low \u20ac90\u2019s by the time we head home. &nbsp;This means I will be giving Pam haircuts from now on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Abbey_Monte_Cassino_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Walking up to the Abbey. The Abbey here was founded in 529AD on the remnants of a Roman fortification pre-dating Christ.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Abbey_Monte_Cassino_2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>As soon as we enter the Abbey we walk into the first cloister surrounded by a beautiful set of arched porticos.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Abbey_Monte_Cassino_3.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>The second cloister, titled Bramante. It provides an amazing view across the valley beyond. &nbsp;Keep in mind the entire Abbey was leveled by allied bombing and artilery in 1944.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Abbey of Monte Cassino, Italy\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lx2YBfGX878?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Abbey_Monte_Cassino_5.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Inside the Basilca Cathedral, amazing inlay of marble and artwork.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Basilica Cathedral of Monte Cassino, Italy\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3XSVWdxvuUk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Abbey_Monte_Cassino_7.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Below the Basilica the centre vault.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Crypt, Abbey of Monte Cassino, Italy.\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/w8h9O-xWlf8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Abbey_Monte_Cassino_8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"1100\"\/><figcaption>The smallest and oldest cloister in the Abbey, dating back to the 8-9th century.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Abbey_Monte_Casino_9.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>We go on to visit the museum (\u20ac5pp), which was interesting but very extensive.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So our visit to the abbey complete we walk down to the Hymer and prepare to depart Cassino heading east along the SS6. &nbsp;We find a Lidl as we drive out of Cassino, restock the shelf and continue. &nbsp;The Lonely Planet recommends the drive from Saepinum to Sulmona through the heart of central Italy. &nbsp;Before we start the drive we want to visit the ruins of Altilia Saepinum first. &nbsp;Described as one of the best preserved but least visited roman era ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Altilia Saepinum developed as a roman trading outpost in the 3rd century BC. &nbsp;Pam relaxes with the Alter (later to become the Basilca) in the background. &nbsp;Only vestal virgins need to feel uncomfortable here.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>The ruins of the macellum or market hall. &nbsp;This stone font marking the centre.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_4.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Looking along one of the central roads to a Porta Bojano. &nbsp;A cluster of ruins of small houses on the left.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_5.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Two of the original Porte or gates still have a lot of detail.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"1100\"\/><figcaption>Shaped in a basic square 1200m x 1200m the defensive walls were 6 metres high. Significant sections of the walls remain on two sides.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_7.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>A set of double arches mark the entrance to the theatre.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_8.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>The theatre. The surrounding buildings were added over the original covered walkways. They include a museum and offices. Part of a clumsy preservation project some 30 years ago.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_9.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Looking across the forum, the columns of the basilica in the background.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_13-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_13-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13716\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_13-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_13-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_13-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_13-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_13-3-570x428.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Some 250 metres outside the town walls, a mauseleum to a significant family. With the collapse of the roman empire, the town was sacked by the Arabs in the 4th century AD. The town was then abandoned.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Altilia_Saepinum_10.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>After a long walk about Altilia Saepinum we decide to stay overnight in the little car-park. Being free it ticked the major box.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So another interesting day slips by, not always to the keeper but to the ancient peoples of Italy in this case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Michael and Pam<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"bpp_credits\" style=\"clear: both; float: right; width: 200px; height: 70px; text-align: right;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.blogpadpro.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"vertical-align: middle; font-size: 8pt; color: #999;\">Edited with BlogPad Pro<\/span><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"vertical-align: middle; padding-left: 5px;\" src=\"http:\/\/files.blogpadpro.com\/images\/speech-bubble.png\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Date: &nbsp;31st August 2018 Travelled: &nbsp;138 kilometres Monte Cassino in Lazio to Sepino in Campania, Italy. Visited: &nbsp;The Abbey of Monte Cassino and the archeological site at Altilia Saepinum&nbsp; Stayed: &nbsp;Altilia Saepinum car-park, free. No services. &nbsp;N41.43228, E14.61656 Budget: &nbsp;90 days @ \u20ac96 per day. Finally the last visitor left the Polish cemetery and they [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":13710,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[106],"class_list":{"0":"post-13676","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-italy","8":"tag-archeological-sites","9":"czr-hentry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13676","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13676"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13676\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18429,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13676\/revisions\/18429"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13676"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13676"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13676"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}