Ciciliano: where ancient history meets the nature of the Giovenzano Valley

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Perched on two hills overlooking the lush folds of the Giovenzano Valley, Ciciliano is one of the most enchanting villages in the Lazio countryside. Every stone, alley, and panoramic view tells centuries of history and whispers ancient myths. Today, this timeless village is at the heart of a cultural project designed to showcase its remarkable archaeological heritage and bring it to life for visitors.

Trebula Suffenas: The City of the Equi and the Plautii Silvani

Just outside the village lie the traces of ancient Trebula Suffenas, one of the most important Roman municipalities in the Giovenzano Valley and the wider ager Trebulanus. Founded by the Equi and conquered by the Romans at the end of the 4th century BC, Trebula flourished during the Imperial era, enjoying close ties with Rome’s aristocracy, as evidenced by inscriptions and tombs uncovered in excavations.

Here stands Villa Manni, a captivating estate built in the last century atop the ruins of the ancient city. Its four-hectare garden reveals stretches of the original Roman paved roads, remains of domus, baths, and key public structures of the municipality, offering a unique glimpse into the daily life of its ancient inhabitants.

The Myth of Helle and Phrixus: A Stunning Mosaic

Among the treasures uncovered during the 1948 excavations is one of the most striking mosaics of the Imperial age: the depiction of the myth of Helle and Phrixus. Crafted with black and white tesserae and dating back to the 2nd century AD, the mosaic once adorned the frigidarium floor of the local baths. It vividly portrays Phrixus, cloaked and mounted on the Golden Fleece, fleeing with his sister Helle on a ram, surrounded by nereids, centaurs, and sea creatures. Tragically, Helle falls into the water, giving her name to the Hellespont. This myth—full of adventure, destiny, and transformation—perfectly embodies a land where legend and history intertwine.

For years, the mosaic was exposed to the elements as a pavement at the Proserpina Fountain in Villa d’Este, Tivoli. It was later removed and stored at the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor. Thanks to a recent agreement, it has returned to Ciciliano and now takes pride of place in the local museum.

Lily Ross Taylor Archaeological Civic Museum: Bridging Past and Present

In the heart of the village, on Via delle Pianelle, the Lily Ross Taylor Archaeological Civic Museum is taking shape. Named after the renowned American scholar and director of the classical section of the American Academy in Rome, the museum aims to protect, preserve, and showcase the archaeological treasures of ancient Trebula Suffenas and its surroundings, giving Ciciliano back a vital part of its millennia-old history.

Its opening, scheduled for summer 2026, is one of the most anticipated cultural events in the Giovenzano Valley. Visitors will be able to admire the most significant finds, including the Helle and Phrixus mosaic, inscriptions, statues, and artifacts that bring the public and private life of the ancient community to life.

Through its exhibits, the museum offers an immersive storytelling experience, letting visitors step into the world of the ancient city. Ciciliano thus stands alongside the major archaeological destinations of the region, like Tivoli and Palestrina, yet tells its own unique story, deeply rooted in the valley itself.