ARDEAOPENDAY
Edition 2026 Visual arts Garden Heritage

ARDEAOPENDAY

Discovering ancient Ardea, through archaeology, art, and nature

Ardea — Roma (258) Since 2026
Dates 11 Mar — 11 Mar 2026
Location Ardea (258)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About ARDEAOPENDAY

ARDEAOPENDAY is a special event that opens the doors to the historical, archaeological, and cultural heritage of Ardea, located on the coast south of Rome. Organized by the Pro Loco Ardea APS with the support of the local municipality, the event invites tourism professionals and enthusiasts to explore the sites of the ancient Latin city, local museums, and historic gardens, featuring guided tours, networking opportunities, and a communal lunch. It is a unique occasion to connect guides and professionals while showcasing the excellence of this coastal town in the Lazio region.

ARDEAOPENDAY, a showcase for Ardea's heritage

ARDEAOPENDAY is a day dedicated to promoting the rich historical, archaeological, and cultural heritage of Ardea, a town on the Lazio coast in the Province of Rome, in the heart of the Lazio Region. Promoted by the Pro Loco Ardea APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Ardea and in collaboration with ASSOGUIDE, the event was created to share the history of ancient Ardea—one of the most important cities of the Rutuli, already mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid—with the tourism industry.

A Latin city with ancient roots

Ardea has its origins in the Latin age and preserves archaeological treasures of great value, which are the focus of this discovery day. The territory holds the acropolis and the remains of the ancient settlement, set in a landscape where history intertwines with the countryside and the nearby sea. ARDEAOPENDAY brings together the city's iconic landmarks in a single itinerary, offering a comprehensive overview of the local heritage.

A journey through archaeological sites, museums, and gardens

The day features guided tours of the town's main cultural landmarks:

  • Colle della Noce, an archaeological area preserving traces of the ancient settlement;
  • Casarinaccio, one of the most representative sites of ancient Ardea;
  • Oratorio Ipogeo, a rock-hewn place of worship from the Christian era;
  • Museo Manzù, dedicated to the work of the great sculptor Giacomo Manzù;
  • Casa Museo Franco Califano, which honors the famous singer-songwriter linked to the area;
  • Giardini della Landriana, a splendid historic garden nestled in the Ardea countryside.

A networking event for tourism

ARDEAOPENDAY is specifically aimed at tourism professionals—tour guides, tour leaders, and environmental hiking guides—with the goal of building a network capable of collectively promoting the area's excellence. The day is designed as a moment for meeting, discussion, and sharing, including a lunch for participants that strengthens the collaborative spirit of the initiative.

Ardea, between Rome and the sea

Just a few kilometers from Rome and overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast, Ardea combines the depth of Latin history with the charm of the coastal landscape. With ARDEAOPENDAY, the city positions itself as a true cultural destination, capable of surprising those seeking authentic, high-quality tourism just a stone's throw from the capital.

ARDEAOPENDAY — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of ARDEAOPENDAY took place in Ardea with a day entirely dedicated to discovering the city's archaeological, artistic, and natural heritage. Starting at 9:30 AM, tourism professionals and visitors explored the sites of ancient Ardea, city museums, and historic gardens in a guided itinerary designed to promote the excellence of this Lazio town.

ARDEAOPENDAY 2026

The 2026 edition, scheduled for March 11 starting at 9:30 AM, offered an intense itinerary to discover the treasures of Ardea. Promoted by the Pro Loco Ardea APS with the patronage of the Municipality and ASSOGUIDE, the day combined archaeology, art, and landscape into a single path aimed particularly at tourism professionals.

Guided tours visited the archaeological areas of Colle della Noce and Casarinaccio, the Oratorio Ipogeo, the Museo Manzù, the Casa Museo Franco Califano, and the Giardini della Landriana. The day concluded with a communal lunch, a moment for discussion and networking among local guides and tour leaders.

Programme ARDEAOPENDAY 2026

Program of the day (March 11, 2026)

Meeting from 9:30 AM for the full day.

  • Guided tour of the Colle della Noce archaeological area
  • Guided tour of the Casarinaccio site
  • Visit to the Oratorio Ipogeo
  • Visit to the Museo Manzù
  • Visit to the Casa Museo Franco Califano
  • Visit to the Giardini della Landriana
  • Lunch for participants and networking session for professionals

Highlights ARDEAOPENDAY 2026

  • Complete itinerary through the sites of ancient Latin Ardea
  • Museo Manzù and Casa Museo Franco Califano
  • Historic Giardini della Landriana
  • Networking day for guides and tourism professionals

Prices ARDEAOPENDAY 2026

Initiative primarily aimed at tourism professionals (tour guides, tour leaders, and environmental hiking guides), by registration through the Pro Loco Ardea APS. Lunch included for participants.

Practical information — ARDEAOPENDAY

Getting there

Ardea can be reached by car from Rome via the Via Pontina (SS148) and the Via Ardeatina in about 40 minutes. By train, you can arrive at the Campoleone or Pomezia-Santa Palomba stations on the Rome-Nettuno line, continuing by bus or car.

Admission

The initiative is primarily aimed at tourism professionals, by registration through the Pro Loco Ardea APS. For updated information on dates, registration, and the program, please consult the official website prolocoardea.it and the Pro Loco's social media channels.

Festival-goer photos

No photos yet. Share yours!

Share your photos

5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)

Noticed an error or missing information?

Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.

Festival-goer reviews

No rating yet — be the first!

No comments yet. Be the first!

Were you there?

Share your experience with the community.

Where does it take place — ARDEAOPENDAY

Siti archeologici e musei di Ardea

Contact ARDEAOPENDAY

ARDEAOPENDAY in brief

Visual arts Garden Heritage History Archaeology Folk traditions Outdoor Participatory Roma

History of ARDEAOPENDAY