Santa Maria Capua Vetere

The story of Santa Maria Capua Vetere begins many years ago, when its name was still Capua antica (ancient Capua), when the Oscans, Etruscans, Samnites and Romans dominated the city that eventually became one of the biggest cities in the whole world.

The most famous symbol of Santa Maria Capua Vetere is definitely the anfiteatro campano (Campania amphitheatre), that is just a bit smaller than the Colosseum and housed the insurrection of the gladiators headed by Spartacus.

Capua antica also housed a famous gladiator school, that’s why nowadays the amphitheatre houses the museo dedicato ai gladiatori (Gladiators Museum), that recalls the games and the tools of the fighters, such as the armours.

Near the amphitheatre there is the museo archeologico dell’antica Capua (Ancient Capua Archaeological Museum), that through several finds recalls the whole history of the legendary city, from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age and up to the great Capua ruled by Campania people.

The museum complex also includes the amazing Mitreo (Mithraeum) dating back to the end of the 1st century AD, that is dedicated to the God Mithras that was worshiped by the gladiators too. The full price ticket is € 2,50 and includes the amphitheatre, the museums and the Mithraeum.

Just drive along the A1 Milano-Napoli highway and take the exit signposted Santa Maria Capua Vetere. From Napoli, drive along the E45 road and take the exit signposted Villa Literno, then proceed along the SS7bis state road towards Capua-Real Sito Carditiello.

From Salerno, instead, drive along the A30 highway, proceed along the A1/E45 highway towards Caserta nord and take the exit signposted Santa Maria Capua Vetere.

You can also get there by train. Just take one of the many trains that leave from Caserta, Napoli or Benevento and stop at the Santa Maria Capua Vetere train station.

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Domus Purpurea is located near the Campania amphitheatre. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and private parking is available on site. The bed and breakfast is equipped with a flat-screen TV. Towels and bed linen are offered in the bed and breakfast.

GLADIUS B&B offers accommodation with seating area. There is a private entrance at the bed and breakfast for the convenience of those who stay. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.
The bed and breakfast will provide guests with air-conditioned units with a desk, a coffee machine, a dishwasher, an oven, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also offered in the kitchen, as well as a kettle.