Capua

In Praise of Motherhood in Campania

One of the most important museums in Italy is located in Capua. The ancient capital of Campania houses a collection of exceptional historical value but still too little known in the marvellous Palazzo Antignano.

The jewel in the crown of the Campano Museum are the rooms dedicated to the Matres Matutae, women sitting with one or more children in their arms. Take a close look at these unique tufa statues, with their simple yet moving depiction of the mystery of life.

Another outstanding location in the Capua area is the Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis. Built on the remains of a temple of Diana, it is called 'in formis' because of the numerous aqueducts that arose in the area to bring drinking water to Capua. Enter and admire the three-tiered pictorial cycle created by the masters of Campania, with colours so vivid they look as if they have just been painted.

Capua was also the birthplace of illustrious personalities, the most famous of which is Pier delle Vigne. If the name rings a bell, it is because you've read Canto XIII of the Inferno, where Dante walks through the forest of suicides and has a long dialogue with Frederick II's advisor.