Discover Palestrina

Palestrina brings together ancient architecture, museums, sacred art and a musical heritage of its own. Those interested in the history of ancient Praeneste will find different ways to explore it here: from the terraced sanctuary to collections of artworks from various periods. A historic walking route and a traditional product also add further highlights to a stay.

Ancient Praeneste on the hillside

The Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia is located on the slope of Monte Ginestro. It was built in the final decades of the 2nd century BC and dedicated to Fortuna Primigenia, an oracular deity who was also worshipped as a mother goddess. Artificial terraces, ramps and stairways connect the different levels. The hillside itself thus becomes part of the architectural complex: the stepped design shapes the impression made by the sanctuary just as much as its religious significance.

Another link to ancient Praeneste can be seen at the Forum, which corresponds to Palestrina’s main square today. The Ninfeo dei Pesci is located in the Forum and is decorated with a polychrome mosaic. Fish and crustaceans bring a marine landscape to life in the mosaic. The motif creates a different emphasis from the monumental terraced complex: here, a richly detailed image takes centre stage, while there, architecture is integrated with the hillside setting.

Museums and art in Palestrina

The Museo archeologico nazionale Prenestino is housed in Palazzo Barberini. Its three floors are devoted to the history, culture and artistic production of ancient Praeneste. Among its most outstanding works is a large polychrome Nile mosaic, created by Alexandrian artists at the end of the 2nd century BC. Those who want to get to know the ancient city not only through its buildings but also through art and material evidence of its past will find a complementary perspective here.

The Museo diocesano di arte sacra di Palestrina contains around 600 works. The collection spans ancient art and examples of early Christian art to precious sacred furnishings. One room is dedicated to the painting “La decapitazione di San Gennaro o Sant’Agapito,” attributed to Caravaggio. Other objects on display include the finely crafted Ara delle Vittorie, dating from the 2nd or 3rd century AD. The approximate number of works and the broad range of periods give an impression of the collection’s diversity.

Music history is brought to life at the Casa Natale Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, which houses an important library of polyphonic music as well as a biographical and iconographic exhibition. It traces the composer’s life and work from 1525 to 1594. As the current exhibition should be confirmed before your trip, it is worth checking the visitor information. The church of Santa Rosalia, designed by the architect Francesco Contini, was completed in 1660. Its interior is entirely decorated in the Baroque style. The striking Ninfeo Barberini is also part of the historic surroundings; its garden was laid out in the second half of the 17th century.

Getting around and further highlights

The Aula Absidata was restored in 2016 and reopened to the public in its original form. To reach the Area sacra, take the route from Piazza Regina Margherita through the gate to the left of the Bishop’s Seminary. The large, basilica-like space is situated on the hillside. Check the municipality’s latest access information before your visit to make sure the site’s historical layout fits with your travel plans.

Events and local traditions can also shape a stay. The Palio di Sant’Agapito is an annual historical reenactment involving the Palestrina community and the city’s four districts. In the city’s 2025 programme, it included the Corteo Storico di Praeneste and the Giostra della Scifa. Check the dates for your year of travel. The Giglietto di Palestrina, a traditional product, is made in Palestrina all year round.

If you want to plan a walking route in addition to visiting the cultural sites, consider the fourth stage of the Cammino Naturale dei Parchi. It leads from Palestrina’s historic centre to Castel San Pietro Romano. The town lies on the outermost foothills of the Monti Prenestini and has pre-Roman Cyclopean wall remains. This stage offers a different perspective on regional history beyond the city’s buildings. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

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