The old town of the city, which has partly maintained its ancient appearance, is characterized by its narrow alleys. 
Located in the southwestern part of the city, it is flanked by two slopes; it is surrounded by two ancient walls and two roads, via Roma and via Occidentale, which allow easy access. 
The complete restoration after the 1984 earthquake has allowed the old town to return to the beating heart of the city, also thanks to the opening of universities and numerous local shops; on Thursday and Saturday mornings it hosts a characteristic market. It has a main street, Corso Marcelli, which joins the two main squares, Piazza San Pietro Celestino V and Piazza Andrea D'Isernia (where the cathedral is located).