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A stretch of the wall of large polygonal blocks of Norba beside the visitor pathMac9 · CC BY-SA 4.0

What to do · Garden of Ninfa and Sermoneta

Archaeological Park of ancient Norba

The polygonal walls and temples of a Latin city on a plateau above the Pontine plain, next to the village of Norma; free access.

Information
Duration
1 h 30
Season
All year
Who it's for
Archaeology, views, a walk in the countryside

Norba was a Latin colony founded at the start of the 5th century BC on a plateau of the Lepini mountains, just above Ninfa, and destroyed in the civil wars of the 1st century BC. It was never reoccupied, so its remains are in plain view in the countryside: more than two kilometres of walls of large polygonal blocks, gates, streets and the foundations of temples on the acropolises, with the Pontine plain below.

How to visit

It is an open-air park next to the village of Norma, with free access according to its official entry; a guided visit can be requested. In the village, the archaeological museum of Norma completes the visit. For hours and guides, call 0773 171 0161.

Fitting it in

From the Ninfa road you climb to Norma in a quarter of an hour up the slope. It is a good addition to a day at Ninfa or Sermoneta, especially in spring, when the meadows are green.

Tips

  • Country shoes You walk over meadows and dirt tracks.
  • Look towards Ninfa From the edge of the plateau you can see the garden below.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

The park has free access according to the official entry.

Where is it?

On the plateau next to the village of Norma, above Ninfa.

Are there guided tours?

Yes, enquire on 0773 171 0161.

As a family

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

The first room, with red-checked tablecloths and medieval banners on the wall© Ristorante Al Castello

Ristorante Al Castello

Restaurant · Sermoneta · €€€€

What to order: something with fresh truffle, which the owners hunt themselves, and in winter the polenta

The glass-walled dining room with round tables dressed in white and flower centrepieces© Molino 7Cento

Molino 7Cento restaurant

Restaurant · Cori · €€€€

What to order: whatever the season brings from the kitchen garden, with a wine and the house oil

To stay nearby

The medieval stone courtyard of Le Camere Pinte, with steps and plants© Le Camere PinteApartment

Le Camere Pinte

15th-century stone house in the old town · Apartments for 2 to 6 people · Private spa with hammam and sauna · From €100 a night

Why we like it: Rooms and apartments with kitchen in a 15th-century stone house in Sermoneta's old town, with a private spa booked in 90-minute slots.

From €100 / night View details
A bedroom with two beds, white lamps and flowers© Agriturismo Giulia BèCountry house

Agriturismo Giulia Bè

9 independent units · Pool and children's games · 2 km from Cisterna station · Double from €70

Why we like it: Apartments and studios with kitchen, pool and garden in the countryside of Cisterna di Latina, 2 km from the station with trains to Rome and about 15 km from Ninfa.

From €70 / night View details
The old stone mill of Molino 7Cento, with its forecourt and palm trees© Molino 7CentoSmall hotel

Antico Borgo Molino 7Cento

Restored 18th-century mill · Organic wine and oil farm · Pool, jacuzzi and sauna · Restaurant and winery

Why we like it: Relais in an 18th-century water mill in the countryside of Cori, near Ninfa, with organic vines and olive trees, restaurant, pool and wellness area.

Itineraries

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