Palestrina is a town with 18,000 inhabitants located in the region of Lazio, 40 kilometres east of Rome. It is spread on the terraces of the former huge temple of the Goddess Fortuna Primigenia, “mother of all Gods.” In this temple of 8th century BC to operate one of the largest medieval oracles.

Terraces of the temple, which are mostly preserved, leads up to the hill, where is a large Palazzo Barberini. A circular temple stood right in front of it.

Palazzo Barberini, Palestrina, Lazio by spaceodissey

From the top of the hill (higher, above the Palazzo Barberini) you can enjoy a great view of the surrounding countryside and during the nice weather even up to Rome. The palace now houses the Museum Archeologico Nazionale. Among its best-known exhibits is a mosaic of 1st century BC, on which you can see the floods of the river Nile.

But how actually looks (or looked) Palestrina sanctuary? It consisted of terraces, ramps, staircases and colonnades. The shrine was situated along the axis extending into the hills, individual terraces were connected by stairs and ramps. On those terraces were then built the colonnades and the various other buildings.

Ruins of the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, Palestrina by Zanner

From Palestrina comes a famous composer of sacred music Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, who lived in the 16th century and is buried at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In his hometown has at least a marble statue.

Old street in Palestrina, Lazio by FelixH

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