Roman Dream at Augusta Bagiennorum

When history awakens at sunset

Roman Dream at Augusta Bagiennorum is a special event that brings the ancient Roman city of Augusta Bagiennorum—founded at the end of the 1st century BC near modern-day Bene Vagienna, in the heart of Piedmont—back to life for one night only. The event transforms the archaeological site in the Roncaglia area into a grand open-air theater, where history is not just told, but relived.

A little Pompeii of Piedmont

Often described as "a little Pompeii waiting to be rediscovered," Augusta Bagiennorum preserves the remains of the theater with its quadriporticus, the sacred area with the temple podium, the intersection of the decumanus maximus and the cardo, the forum, and the civil basilica. In recent years, archaeological research has resumed thanks to an excavation concession granted to the University of Turin, uncovering new evidence of a city that once spanned approximately 21 hectares. It is in this evocative setting that the experience takes shape.

Theater, archaeology, and wonder

The event is designed as a sensory and emotional journey that allows visitors to experience the site in a completely new way, combining the rigor of scientific research with the awe of theater and myth. As they walk among the ruins, visitors encounter matrons, nobles, warriors, and commoners from the Okelum association, wearing costumes based on meticulous philological reconstruction, who bring scenes of daily Roman life to life. The tour is led by Dr. Sofia Uggè, the site's director, who reveals the secrets and beauty of the ancient city.

Dances, flavors, and atmosphere

As evening falls, the ritual dances of the vestals, performed by students from the La Maison de la Danse school, add a touch of sacredness to the experience. The evening concludes with a historical dinner in the botanical garden of the Locanda Marsam, featuring a menu inspired by ancient Roman recipes, the result of careful philological research into the flavors of two thousand years ago.

A local cultural project

The initiative is promoted by the FAI Delegation of Cuneo in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Piedmont, the Okelum association, the La Maison de la Danse school, and the Locanda Marsam, with the patronage of the Municipality of Bene Vagienna and the support of the Fondazione CRC. It is a virtuous example of how the enhancement of Piedmont's archaeological heritage can become a vibrant, participatory experience capable of attracting hundreds of visitors.