In the footsteps of the Arvales – The Artworks

“In the Footsteps of the Arvales. Voices and Images from the Origins of Rome to Contemporary Times” is a cultural project curated by Muri Lab APS Association that aims to connect archaeology, contemporary art, and urban narrative in the heart of Municipio XI district.

The project, promoted by Roma Capitale – Department of Culture, is the winner of the Public Notice Artes et Iubilaeum – 2025. It is funded by the European Union Next Generation EU for large tourist events under the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), measure M1C3 – Investment 4.3 – Caput Mundi.

The initiative was created to rediscover and make visible the memories of the Fratres Arvales, Arval Brethren, a body of priests  who used to meet in Magliana Vecchia to honor the goddess Dia, the goddess of field fertility. The site of the sanctuary complex dedicated to the goddess -amidst woods, buildings, and temples now vanished- was originally located in the area involved in the project. The aim is thus to restore, at least symbolically, the historical memory of this ancient Roman confraternity whose name still identifies the territory today.

The artistic part was entrusted to Ale Senso, one of the most prominent figures in the urban art scene. Thanks to the consultation of art historians and archaeologists from Muri Lab APS, the artist conducted in-depth research into the complex symbologies and rituals of the Arvales. By comparing historical information with the current topology and toponymy of the location, she conceived 7 multidisciplinary site-specific installations (using techniques ranging from mural painting to light projection and sculpture) and identified an equal number of places that have a particular connection with the Fratres Arvales, constructing an evocative path where art complements archaeology.

The project also includes a rich program of activities with guided tours, dramatized walks, workshops for families, and moments of conviviality. We started in July 2025 and will finish in December 2025 with the realization of:

• 7 site-specific urban artworks by the artist Ale Senso, created with eco-sustainable materials and equipped with QR codes that link to descriptions and detailed information;
• 8 urban walks in Italian and English, guided by experts in street art and local memory, with accessible routes also for deaf, blind, and visually impaired people thanks to the presence of LIS interpreters (Italian Sign Language) and tactile operators;
• 3 workshops and 2 walks for children and families, including the creation of a Kamishibai on the Arvales, a portable storytelling theater;
• 3 themed tastings at the end of some guided tours connected to specific festivals and evocative places;
• 1 special visit to the National Roman Museum – Baths of Diocletian, where the original inscriptions of the Arvales are preserved.

The artistic installations are located in Rome, in the Magliana Vecchia neighborhood, along an itinerary that touches: Piazza Madonna di Pompei, via delle Catacombe di Generosa, and Parco Gioia, and are all easily reachable by public transport: Magliana train station; ATAC Bus Lines 128, 228, 713, 773, 719, 786F.

Below are the artworks created during the project with their respective descriptions and addresses where they can be found!