Norma - THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA OF NORBA
Norma - THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA OF NORBA
The ancient city of Norba had a short and tormented existence; loyal to Rome during the Punic wars, it was badly damaged as a result.
Silla rebuilt it, but it lost importance during the empire and was abandoned for good. Ancient Norba without a doubt is one of the oldest and best preserved examples in Italy of town planning with a regular layout.
Many urban elements are still visible today as well as cisterns, wells, ambulatories, underground passages and splendidly preserved sections of Roman paving.
The archaeological area that can be visited today is of extraordinary interest and the monumental circuit of the walls in polygonal style alone makes visiting the whole complex worthwhile.
Various temples were built on the two acropolises, located on modest hills, including the Temple of Diana, of which a plinth remains. The structure was divided into a pronaos and a cella and surrounded by an arcade with pillars.
Government and representation offices can also be found in the area such as the Senate and military garrison. The remains of what was probably one of the first thermal baths and evocatively called „castle of the waters“ are well preserved.
The temple of Giunone Lucina, the god of births and women in labour can be found in the southern part. All the small finds discovered in the area are kept in the Civic Archaeology Museum of Norma.
The modern town of Norma is located near the old centre of Norba.
