Basilica sotterranea di Porta Maggiore

About the museum

The underground basilica was discovered by chance on 23 April 1917, when a subsidence along the Roma–Cassino railway line brought it to light, about 9 metres below the level of today's via Prenestina, just outside Porta Maggiore. To prevent further damage from train vibrations and water seepage, in 1951 the ancient structures were enclosed in a reinforced-concrete container with an air gap.

The complex consists of a corridor, a vestibule and a basilica-shaped hall of 12 × 9 metres, divided by six pillars into three aisles with barrel vaults and a semicircular apse. The floors are in black-and-white mosaic, while the walls and vaults are covered with white stucco decoration featuring mythological figures, scenes of mystic rites and moments of everyday life; in the apse Sappho is depicted throwing herself from the Leucadian cliff.

The function of the building remains uncertain: it has been interpreted as a place of worship or a funerary building linked to the properties of the gens Statilia. The elegance and unity of the decoration make it a work datable to the first decades of the 1st century AD, comparable with the columbarium of the Statilii, the cryptoporticus of the Palatine and the Golden Vault of the Domus Aurea.

Highlights

• Three-aisled basilica hall with apse, 9 metres below street level
• White stucco decoration with mythological and mystic scenes
• Sappho throwing herself from the Leucadian cliff in the apse
• Black-and-white mosaic floors
• Vestibule with polychrome vault

Founded

1

Operated by

Ministero della Cultura – Soprintendenza Speciale Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Roma

Visitors per year

approx. 2,500

Admission & discounts

The site is accessible only on special openings and at events; the dates are not fixed.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Soprintendenza's page offers videos in LIS (Italian Sign Language) and in international sign language on the website.

Kids & families

The site is accessible only on special openings and at events; the dates are not fixed.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The site is accessible only on special openings and at events; the dates are not fixed.

Events & venue rental

The site is accessible only on special openings and at events; the dates are not fixed.