Privernum is described byLivy as a flourishingVolscian site, which was conquered and destroyed by theRomans in the late 4th century BC. TheAppian Way passed nearby. The town recovered under the Roman rule, but disappeared after the fall of theWestern Roman Empire, probably destroyed bySaracen attacks.
Researchers studying the concrete used in Privernum concluded that the use ofquicklime made ancient Roman concrete more durable than its modern counterpart.[3][4]
Santa Maria Assunta (former Cathedral), consecrated by PopeLucius II in 1183. It houses a panel of theMadonna d'Agosto and St. Thomas's skull.
San Benedetto, built by theBenedictines from the 7th century AD; it includes 13th and 16th centuries frescoes
San Giovanni Evangelista (c. 9th century, rebuilt in the 13th century). It has 13th-15th century frescoes, including stories ofSt. Catherine (14th century), aMadonna with Child (15th century)
San Tommaso d'Aquino (13th century)
San Nicola (13th century)
Lay buildings include theVilla Gallio, a residence of CardinalBartolomeo Gallio, the Communal Palace (13th century), with the Dolphin Fountain by Giuseppe Olivieri and thePorta San Marco andPorta Posterola, the only remains of the seven gates once giving access to Priverno. Remains of the oldPrivernum are outside the town, including parts of the walls, baths, three patrician houses and a temple. Here a colossal statue ofTiberius (now in theVatican Museum) was found in the late 18th century.
