An early medieval church that has been deconsecrated for three centuries, a building from the second century A.D. with even older evidence: this is the monumental complex of Sant'Ilario in Port'Aurea, because located in the immediate vicinity of Porta Aurea, as the Trajan's Arch was renamed in the Longobards era.
The former church was built in the late 7th and early 8th centuries, later joined by a convent. Already fallen into disuse when it was partly incorporated into the Longobards walls, then the 1688 earthquake landed the final blow. The church was then used as a farmhouse until the second half of the 20th century, when restoration work began, concluded in 2004 with the opening of Museo dell’Arco. This is dedicated to the emperor's military campaigns, depicted in the arch ‘s bas-reliefs enhancing its history. The exhibition itinerary is equipped with useful supports for guests with disabilities, including the use of Braille and Italian sign language.
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