
Falerii Novi Santa Maria di Falleri
Explore the ancient Roman city of Falerii Novi, featuring impressive walls and the stunning, restored Abbey of Santa Maria.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Abbey is often open

Falerii Novi Santa Maria di Falleri
Best Time
Abbey is often open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Roman city of Falerii Novi, featuring impressive walls and the stunning, restored Abbey of Santa Maria.
"A hidden gem with a majestic abbey, but the ruins need more care."

🎯 Check Abbey Opening Hours
The Abbey of Santa Maria is often only open for limited hours, typically Saturdays. Call ahead or check local listings!
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths through the ruins can be overgrown and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 58 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abbey of Santa Maria in Falleri
Center of Falerii Novi
A stunning 12th-century Cistercian basilica with unique five apses, built with Roman remains.

Porta Jupiter
City Walls
Remarkably preserved main gate of Falerii Novi, showcasing ancient Roman engineering and artistry.

Ancient City Walls
Perimeter of Falerii Novi
Impressive surviving walls of the ancient Falisci capital, built from red tuff blocks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Falerii Novi
Exploring the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Abbey Opening Hours
The Abbey of Santa Maria is often only open for limited hours, typically Saturdays. Call ahead or check local listings!
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths through the ruins can be overgrown and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Amenities are scarce at Falerii Novi. Pack essentials, especially if visiting during warmer months.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The abbey, especially with fog, offers incredible photographic opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Abbey Opening Hours
The Abbey of Santa Maria is often only open for limited hours, typically Saturdays. Call ahead or check local listings!
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths through the ruins can be overgrown and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Amenities are scarce at Falerii Novi. Pack essentials, especially if visiting during warmer months.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The abbey, especially with fog, offers incredible photographic opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning Romanesque Abbey of Santa Maria and the impressive Roman city walls, particularly Porta Jupiter. However, many lament the poor maintenance and overgrown state of the ruins outside the Abbey, making them difficult to access and appreciate. The limited opening hours of the church are also a frequent point of frustration.
"Only the church has been enhanced, everything else seems completely abandoned, the paths through the ruins are impassable, without maintenance, a shame because it could be a spectacular site..."
massimiliano ferrante
"In the center of Falerii Novi, near the old acropolis and the remains of the forum, stands the majestic Abbey of Santa Maria in Falleri. Built in the 12th century by Cistercian monks from Savoy, using the archaeological remains of the ancient city, the abbey was built by marble workers from the Cosmati family, who also built several churches in the area. The church suffered a long period of abandonment for centuries, until its renovation in the 1980s. A detail that makes it unique are the five apses at the back of the church."
Matteo Marchi
"New Faleria (the capital of the Falisci, a people living in northern Lazio) has been known since 241 BC (the former capital of the Falisci, Faleria Vechera, was captured by the Romans and completely destroyed). A powerful perimeter wall, the diameter of which is clearly visible, miraculously survives. It has the square structure of a Roman city (cardo decumanum) with four gates, the main one of which, the Porta Jupiter, is amazingly preserved; human features are visible in the keystone (the original is in the Museo Civiltà Castellana). The wall is built of red tuff blocks without mortar.
The church of Santa Maria di Faleria now stands in the center of the ancient city – a marvelous Romanesque basilica that was the center of a Cistercian monastery founded here in the 11th century. The church itself is remarkably preserved; the façade was restored in 1972. Excavations of the ancient city were carried out behind the church, and the artefacts found are housed in the Villa Giulia Museum in Rome and the Faliscan Museum in Civiltà Castellana."
Yulia KUZNETSOVA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Falerii Novi is located near Civita Castellana in the Lazio region of Italy. The easiest way to reach it is by car, as public transport options are limited. Parking is available near the main entrance to the archaeological site.
Public transport to Falerii Novi is challenging. You might be able to take a bus to Civita Castellana and then a taxi or arrange a local transfer, but it's not straightforward. Driving is highly recommended for ease of access.
If driving from Rome, take the A1 motorway north towards Florence, exit at Magliano Sabina, and follow signs for Civita Castellana and then Falerii Novi. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Official guided tours are not consistently available. It's best to explore independently or hire a local guide in advance if you desire a guided experience.
Yes, Falerii Novi makes for an interesting day trip from Rome, especially if you combine it with a visit to nearby Civita Castellana. Allow at least half a day to explore the site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The archaeological site itself is generally accessible, but the Abbey of Santa Maria has very limited opening hours, often only a few hours on Saturdays. It's crucial to contact the local municipality or check recent visitor information before your trip to confirm.
Access to the archaeological site of Falerii Novi is typically free. However, there might be a small fee or donation requested for entry into the Abbey of Santa Maria when it is open.
Yes, the Abbey is the main attraction, but its opening times are restricted. Visitors are advised to verify the schedule in advance, as it's not always open.
Since access is often free and hours are limited, advance booking is usually not required. However, for specific events or if you're part of a group, it's wise to inquire.
Contacting the Comune di Civita Castellana or checking local tourism websites is the most reliable method for current opening hours of the Abbey.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the remarkably preserved Roman city walls, including the Porta Jupiter gate, the remains of the forum, and the impressive Romanesque Abbey of Santa Maria with its five apses.
Unfortunately, many of the ruins outside the Abbey are not well-maintained, with overgrown paths making them difficult to navigate. The Abbey itself has been restored.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain. Dress in layers as weather can change, and bring sun protection.
Children might find the extensive ruins interesting, but the lack of maintenance and uneven ground could be challenging. Supervision is recommended.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the main areas, including the Abbey and the visible sections of the city walls and forum.
📸 📸 Photography
The Abbey of Santa Maria, especially with atmospheric fog, is a prime spot. The Porta Jupiter gate and the ancient city walls also offer great photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed inside the Abbey, but always be respectful of the sacred space and any posted restrictions.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the ancient stones and the Abbey. Fog can add a dramatic, moody effect.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites and historical monuments. Check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the Abbey and walls. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, especially if fog is present.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit