The current urban core of Palestrina rises on the ancient city of Praeneste, of Latin origin, whose fame, in ancient age, was linked to the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, testimony of the late-republican age.
It is one of the most rich historical centers of Lazio, artistic and architectural, starting from the well-known Palazzo Colonna Barberini which houses the Museo Archeologico Prenestino.
Many religious buildings that enrich the historical heritage of Palestrina including the Basilica-Cathedral of Sant’Agapito which houses significant works of art, the Church of Santa Rosalia located near the Palazzo Colonna Barberini and the Church and the convent of San Francesco built in the fifteenth century.
An entire itinerary dedicated to the archaeology and history of the city: Archeopalestrina, where there are several sites of particular interest such as Piazzale della Pace, Porta San Martino, the ancient ghetto, the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, Via Thomas Mann, the forum of Praeneste, the forum buildings, the ancient walls, La Porta del Sole, Via degli Arcioni, and Via del Sole.
Only two settlements are known to have existed in the Proto-Archaic period: Preneste (Palestrina) and Trebula Suffenas. These only came to life during the Imperial period, when the main public buildings were constructed and they became the political and economic center of the local Suffeni population (on the edge of the Equi territory).
