Palazzo Ducale

Beside Larino's cathedral square, the Palazzo Ducale brings together a medieval building, the municipal library and the civic museum. Its permanent exhibition, “Ars et Ingenium,” displays archaeological finds from the territory of Roman Larinum.

Why it matters

The palace has served different roles over time, from noble residence to prison and civic institution. Its museum offers a compact view of the region's archaeology, including objects from the Samnite-Frentano area and the Roman town of Larinum.

What to notice

The exhibition includes material dating from the 10th century BC to the 4th century AD: vases, amphorae and unguentaria, as well as spears, helmets and lamps. Small statues relate to the cult of Mars, and a sculptural group depicts Hercules and Priapus. Polychrome Roman mosaics from patrician villas include a 3rd-century floor showing the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus.

Context and history

The palace is of medieval origin and is associated with a Norman-era fortress, later noble residence and prison. It now contains Larino's municipal library and civic museum, placing finds from the Roman city in the historic centre beside the cathedral.