
Terni is the second largest city in the Region of Umbria. Its ancient name,
Interamna Nahars, seems to come from its geographical position as the city is situated between two rivers, the Nera and the Serra, which formed a sort of natural defense. The name
Interamna then evolved in
Teramna,
Terani and, finally, Terni. During the Roman Empire, Terni enjoyed a period of great expansion, as evidenced by many monuments that are still visible today (ranging from the amphitheater to the ancient thermal baths). At the end of the '800, the industrialization of the area earned Terni its today's nickname of
City of Steel. Terni is also known as the
City of Lovers: in fact, Saint Valentine was the bishop of Terni and his remains are still kept in the city.
A list of the most interesting places to visit when you are in Terni:
- Fausto Amphitheatre - Dating back to 32 BC
- Remains of the ancient Roman city wall
- Archaeological remains of Palazzo Carrara
- Remains of the Roman city of Carsulae - Original ramins of the ancient Via Flaminia are still visible
- CAOS, the archaeological Museum of Terni - There are collections of pre-Roman and Roman ruins
- Porta Sant'Angelo, dating back to the XIV century - It was the north-west entrance to the city
- Porta Maria, dating back to the XIV century - It is located on the Via Flaminia, it was the northern entrance
- Crypt of the Cathedral, dating back to the VI century
- Roman Tower of Barbarasa - A plaque at the top reminds that here the relic of the Precious Blood was exhibited (now it is preserved in the cathedral) to remove the town from an epidemic plague
- Church of St. Francis, dating back to the XIII century - In Gothic style
- Church of St. Salvatore, dating back to the XI century - It features a particular architectural style, consisting of two buildings: the first has a circular shape and is dating back to the V century; the second is dating back to the XII century and has a rectangular shape
- Church of Sant'Alò, dating back to the XI century - It belonged to the Knights of Malta
- Church of St. Pietro - It belonged to the Augustinians
- Cathedral of Terni - Dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, it is of Roman origin and it was remodeled in the XVII century
- Church of St. Lorenzo - Built in the XIII century on a much older building
- Church of St. Christopher, dating back to the XIII century
- Basilica of St. Valentine - An ancient structure built to remind the bishop of Terni, who was martyred in Rome in 273. The saint's relics were preserved until the XX century by the Carmelites
- Church of St. Antonio da Padova - It is the residence of the Franciscan Friars. Since 2010, the church has became a sanctuary. There are kept, in fact, the remains of the Franciscan martyrs Berardo, Ottone, Pietro and Accursio Adiuto, who were martyred in Morocco on January 16, 1220
- Palazzo Spada (the Town Hall), dating back to the XV century - Designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger
- Palazzo Fabrizi, dating back to the XVII century
- Palazzo Mazzancolli, dating back to the XV century - Currently home to the State Archives
- Palazzo Rosci (now Bianchini-Riccardi), dating back to the XVI century - It's located in Piazza del Duomo
- Palazzo Gazzoli (late XVIII century) - It is now home to the City Art Gallery, as well as to a variety of cultural activities and to the representative office of Umbria Region
- Palazzo Manassei, dating back to XV century
- Palazzo Mariani, dating back to the XVI century - Headquarters of the Briccialdi Music Institute
- Former City Hall Palace, dating back to the XIV centuries - Today is the biblio-media library of the City (BCT)
- Palazzo Filerna-Perotti-Montani, dating back to the XVII centuries - With important frescoes by Girolamo Troppa
- Palazzo Pierfelici, dating back to XV century - With an impressive portal dating back to the XVI century
- Palazzo Possenti, dating back to the XVIII century
- Palazzo Corradi-Maroni (formerly Gigli), dating back to the XV-XIX centuries - With a significant portal dating back to the XVI century
- Palazzo Faustini, dating back to the XIX century - With many Roman inscriptions
- Palazzo Cittadini-Cesi, dating back to the XVIII-XIX centuries
- Palazzo Carrara, dating back to the XVI-XVIII centuries - It houses remains of the Roman and Renaissance ages (badges, sarcophagi, inscriptions)
- Marmore Waterfall - A masterpiece of Roman hydraulic, dating back to the III century, built by the consul Curio Dentato. It is located on the S.S. Valnerina, 7 km far from Terni
- Piediluco Lake - Nestled in the hills of Umbria, 13 km far from Terni
- Valserra - Near the river Serra, it is surrounded by several beautiful fortified villages
- Carsulae - The remains of a Roman town, including the forum, the theater, the amphitheater and some monumental tombs