Matilica Municipium Romanum

A city rediscovering its Roman roots

In the heart of the Marche region, in the Province of Macerata, the Municipality of Matelica cherishes an ancient past: in Roman times, it was the Municipium of Matilica, a vibrant center of the Apennine region. From this heritage is born Matilica Municipium Romanum, the historical re-enactment that for a few days in September transforms the city's historic center into an authentic ancient Roman camp. The event is organized by Pro Matelica with the patronage of the Municipality of Matelica and is part of the rich calendar of events that animates the village in the second week of September, coinciding with the celebrations of the patron saint Sant'Adriano.

A journey into the imperial era

The re-enactment is set in the era of the Roman city's greatest splendor, between the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Along the streets and squares of the historic center, historical costume parades come to life, the meeting between the Emperor and the city notables, ancient taverns with period food, Roman games, educational stands dedicated to Roman civilization, and evening shows. Characters in period costumes, legionaries, gladiators, and reenactors accompany visitors on an immersive experience, combining history, entertainment, and conviviality.

The challenge between the insulae

The heart of the event is the competition between the four insulae into which the city is ideally divided, distinguished by the colors red, yellow, blue, and green. The insulae compete in Roman-themed games and challenges until the final proclamation of the winning insula, in a spirit of healthy rivalry that involves the entire community of Matelica.

Taverns, shows, and tradition

• Roman taverns open in the evening with the flavors of ancient cuisine
• Historical parades in costume through the streets of the center
• Roman games and gladiator shows
• Guided tours to discover ancient Matilica
• Evening shows, music, and festive moments

A return awaited for over twenty years

Matelica's "Roman festivals" have a long history: after the editions in the early 2000s, the event returned in 2025 after more than twenty years of absence, achieving great public success. Since then, Matilica Municipium Romanum has become one of the most anticipated events of the Matelica summer, capable of combining the valorization of local historical heritage with fun and the participation of the entire city.