Falerii Novi (Santa Maria di Falleri) - Image 1
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Falerii Novi Santa Maria di Falleri

4.6
·58 reviews·, Italy

Explore the ancient Roman city of Falerii Novi, featuring impressive walls and the stunning, restored Abbey of Santa Maria.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Abbey is often open

CrowdLow
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Falerii Novi (Santa Maria di Falleri) - Image 1

Falerii Novi Santa Maria di Falleri

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Abbey is often open

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the ancient Roman city of Falerii Novi, featuring impressive walls and the stunning, restored Abbey of Santa Maria.

4.6
(58 reviews)

"A hidden gem with a majestic abbey, but the ruins need more care."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abbey of Santa Maria in Falleri

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

Porta Jupiter

City Walls

Remarkably preserved main gate of Falerii Novi, showcasing ancient Roman engineering and artistry.

Ancient City Walls

Ancient City Walls

Perimeter of Falerii Novi

Impressive surviving walls of the ancient Falisci capital, built from red tuff blocks.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Falerii Novi

Falerii Novi's archaeological site, particularly the Abbey of Santa Maria, has limited opening hours, often only a few hours on Saturdays. Confirm these before your visit to avoid disappointment. The surrounding ruins are largely unmaintained, so plan for uneven terrain.

Exploring the Ruins

While the Abbey of Santa Maria is a highlight, much of Falerii Novi's ancient Roman city walls and forum remain. Be prepared for overgrown paths and a lack of extensive signage. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as amenities are scarce.

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Abbey is often open
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Autumn afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather for ruins
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Nebbia sull'abbazia cistercense di Santa Maria in Falleri. #discoveryitaly #photooftheday #visititaly #igersitalia #italianarchitecture #italytravels #travelphotography #faleriinovi #viterbo #cistercense #yellersitalia #beautifuldestinations #bestpicturegallery #church #trekking #medioevo
@giancarlocosta10
15 likes • 1.1K views

🎯 Check Abbey Opening Hours

The Abbey of Santa Maria is often only open for limited hours, typically Saturdays. Call ahead or check local listings! Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths through the ruins can be overgrown and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Amenities are scarce at Falerii Novi. Pack essentials, especially if visiting during warmer months. Reddit

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The abbey, especially with fog, offers incredible photographic opportunities. TikTok

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! Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths through the ruins can be overgrown and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Amenities are scarce at Falerii Novi. Pack essentials, especially if visiting during warmer months. Reddit

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The abbey, especially with fog, offers incredible photographic opportunities. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(58 reviews)

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

Majestic Abbey of Santa Maria
Impressive Roman walls
Porta Jupiter gate

What People Dislike

Poorly maintained ruins
Overgrown paths
Limited church hours

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Contacting the Comune di Civita Castellana or checking local tourism websites is the most reliable method for current opening hours of the Abbey. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain. Dress in layers as weather can change, and bring sun protection. Reddit

Children might find the extensive ruins interesting, but the lack of maintenance and uneven ground could be challenging. Supervision is recommended. Reddit

Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the main areas, including the Abbey and the visible sections of the city walls and forum. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed inside the Abbey, but always be respectful of the sacred space and any posted restrictions. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the ancient stones and the Abbey. Fog can add a dramatic, moody effect. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites and historical monuments. Check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

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. TikTok

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Falerii Novi Santa Maria di Falleri (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide