Located in the imposing Castello al Monte, an ancient medieval settlement overlooking San Severino Marche, the “Giuseppe Moretti” Civic Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of history that traces the evolution of the region from the earliest evidence of human settlement through the late Imperial period. The museum’s galleries are housed within the former Episcopio, a building steeped in history and a symbol of the continuity between the Roman and medieval cities.

The museum is named after Giuseppe Moretti (1881–1963), a distinguished archaeologist born in San Severino Marche, who served as superintendent in Rome and Ancona and was a prominent figure on the national scene for his commitment to the preservation and restoration of ancient artifacts. Among his achievements was the reconstruction of the Ara Pacis, a symbol of Roman art and civilization.

The museum’s collection includes artifacts from excavation campaigns conducted in the Potenza Valley and in the area of ancient Septempeda, bearing witness to the wealth and continuity of settlement in this region.

The exhibition is designed as a timeline that takes visitors from prehistory through the Picene period to Roman civilization.

The Rome section is currently open to the public, featuring a new exhibition design that combines scientific rigor with a focus on accessibility. Thanks to videos in Italian Sign Language (LIS) and tactile installations, visitors can explore the ancient city of Septempeda and discover the daily lives of its inhabitants through artifacts, mosaics, and ceramic fragments.

The Piceno section, on the other hand, is currently being redesigned: its reopening will allow visitors to rediscover the pre-Roman civilization that shaped the identity of the region.

The “G. Moretti” Museum is today a model of accessibility and innovation in the promotion of archaeological heritage. Ramps, elevators, tactile models, and digital applications ensure an inclusive and engaging visit.

More than just an exhibition space, it is a laboratory of knowledge and discovery, where the past engages with the present and invites visitors to look toward the future with an awareness of their roots.