Claternae

Claternae Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide – Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Claternae

Set in the scenic Emilia-Romagna region, Claternae is a premier archaeological site in Ozzano dell’Emilia, just outside Bologna. Founded in 187 BCE along the Via Emilia, Claternae offers a vivid portrait of Roman urban life, commerce, and culture. Once a bustling municipium, it is now renowned for its well-preserved ruins—such as the Roman theater, thermal baths, forum, and residential quarters—earning it the nickname “Pompeii of the North.” Today, ongoing excavations and restoration efforts, as well as a rich collection of artifacts at the Museum of Claterna, make this site a must-visit for history lovers and travelers alike.

For the latest information on visiting hours, ticketing, special events, and accessibility, consult the Museum of Claterna website and the Comune di Ozzano dell’Emilia portal. Plan your visit to immerse yourself in the enduring story of Roman Italy. (ArcheoReporter, Finestre sull’Arte)

Claternae: Historical Overview

Foundation and Urban Development

Claternae’s origins date to the late Republican period, strategically placed on the Via Emilia, which connected key Roman centers. Its position fostered trade, military movement, and cultural exchange. Archaeological evidence—including coins, mosaics, and inscriptions—highlights the city’s prosperity from the 2nd century BCE through late antiquity (ArcheoReporter). The city’s grid layout, intersecting cardo and decumanus streets, and monumental core at the forum reflect advanced Roman urban planning.

Public and Private Spaces

Major features include:

Roman Theater: Built in the Augustan era, the theater could seat 2,500 spectators and is currently undergoing restoration, with plans to host performances by 2027 (Finestre sull’Arte).
Thermal Baths and Forum: These showcase sophisticated engineering and the social fabric of Roman life.
Residential Domus: From mosaic-adorned homes to everyday objects like pottery and jewelry, finds reveal the city’s material culture and diverse society (LBV Magazine).

Decline and Rediscovery

Unlike Pompeii, Claternae declined gradually between the 4th and 6th centuries CE, likely due to shifting trade routes and invasions. By the Middle Ages, it was largely abandoned. Systematic excavations began in the 20th century, and today only a fraction of the 18-hectare site is visible. Recent funding has accelerated restoration and public engagement, with significant investments dedicated to making the site more accessible (ArcheoReporter).

Practical Visitor Information

Location and Access

Claternae is located approximately 15–20 kilometers southeast of Bologna, in Ozzano dell’Emilia. The site is accessible:

By Car: Via the Via Emilia (SS9), with parking near the museum.
By Public Transport: Regional buses connect Bologna to Ozzano dell’Emilia. From Ozzano, local buses or taxis reach the site (Museo Claterna, Mapcarta).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Archaeological Site: The open-air site is not regularly open to the public, but special guided tours and events are offered, especially during summer and festivals. Always check official sources for current schedules.
Museum of Claterna:
- Monday: 14:00–18:45
- Tuesday: 09:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:45
- Wednesday: 14:00–18:45
- Closed other days; hours follow the municipal library schedule.
- Admission: Free, but visits must be reserved in advance via email: [email protected] (Museum of Claterna).
Guided Tours: Available by reservation; fees may apply for special events.

Facilities and Accessibility

Archaeological Park: Open-air, with uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear and sun protection are recommended. Restoration is ongoing to improve accessibility.
Museum: Fully wheelchair accessible, with restrooms, reading areas, and a small bookshop. Notify staff in advance for special needs.
Amenities: Ozzano dell’Emilia offers restaurants, cafés, hotels, and tourist information (Comune di Ozzano dell’Emilia).

Highlights & Cultural Insights

Recent Discoveries

Coin Hoard (2023): Over 3,000 coins spanning Republican to Imperial periods found in the theater area.
Engraved Gems and Amulets: Illustrate religious and everyday life.
Glass Necklace: Depicts a theatrical mask, linking craftsmanship to site identity (agi.it).

The Roman Theater and Cultural Events

The Roman Theater will soon become a venue for open-air performances, with the first events planned by summer 2027. This revitalization integrates ancient heritage with contemporary cultural life (Finestre sull’Arte).

Local Festivals

Ozzano dell’Emilia hosts:

Sagra del Tortellone: July festival of local cuisine and music (InBolognaToday).
Summer Events: Open-air concerts, dance evenings, and cultural workshops.

Museum of Claterna Exhibits

The museum features:

Urban Planning Models: Digital and physical reconstructions.
Artifacts: Coins, mosaics, jewelry, tools, and daily life objects.
Thematic Exhibits: Focus on urban life, commerce, and monumental architecture (archeobologna.beniculturali.it).

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer brings festivals and special tours.
Reservations: Always book museum visits in advance.
Photography: The theater and “Domus dei Mosaici” are particularly photogenic.
Accessibility: Museum is wheelchair accessible; the archaeological park is partially accessible.
Contact: For info, email [email protected] or visit Museum of Claterna.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Claternae open year-round?
A: The archaeological site is generally closed, but opens for special events and tours. The museum is open Monday–Wednesday by reservation.

Q: How do I get tickets?
A: No standard tickets for the site; museum admission is free with reservation. Fees may apply for guided tours.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by reservation—especially during festivals and summer events.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The museum is accessible; the archaeological park has limited accessibility due to terrain.

Q: What else can I visit nearby?
A: Explore Bologna’s historical sites, local Roman villas, the Church of San Giorgio, and the villages of Osteria Grande and Varignana.

Visual and Multimedia Suggestions

Include a banner image of the Roman Theater at Claternae (alt: “Roman Theater at Claternae archaeological site, Ozzano dell’Emilia”)
Embed an interactive location map
Add photo galleries of recent finds with descriptive alt tags
Recommend virtual tours and videos from the Museum of Claterna website

Internal Links Suggestions

Call to Action

Start planning your journey to Claternae—one of Italy’s most fascinating Roman sites. For updates on visiting hours, tickets, and special events, follow our channels, read our related articles, and download the Audiala app for guided audio tours of Claternae and other regional treasures.