Compsa Archaeological Park

On the hill overlooking the Ofanto, the archaeological park of Compsa stands where Conza della Campania was located before the 1980 earthquake razed it to the ground; the village was rebuilt further down the valley, and excavations have brought the ancient city to light. Founded as a Samnite-Hirpinian centre, it became a Roman municipium: according to Julius Caesar, Milo died here in 48 BC.It later became a bishopric, was sacked by the Lombards in 570 and was struck by numerous earthquakes. In the park we recommend walking through the forum, the amphitheatre and the stretches of Roman paving. Of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the apse and part of the bell tower remain; you can also make out traces of the medieval castle, Roman baths and a votive altar to Venus. Many finds are displayed in a local museum.