Mitreo di Santa Prisca
Third-century AD underground sanctuary of Mithras beneath the church of Santa Prisca on the Aventine, with gilded stucco and frescoes; visitable by reservation only.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The mithraeum was discovered by chance in 1934 beneath the church of Santa Prisca on the Aventine, by the Augustinian fathers. Excavations carried out between 1952 and 1966 by the Istituto Storico Olandese (Dutch Historical Institute) uncovered a residential complex used from the 2nd century BC into the post-antique period. In the Trajanic period (AD 98–117) the area was built up intensively, and some structures are linked to Lucius Licinius Sura, adviser and friend of the emperor.
In the 3rd century AD the sanctuary dedicated to Mithras, an eastern deity worshipped through mystery rites, was created in one arm of a Trajanic cryptoporticus. The main hall, long and rectangular, housed the ritual banquet of the initiates. In the niche at the far end is the tauroctony scene, the statue of Mithras killing the bull in gilded stucco, with a reclining Saturn made from fragments of amphorae. A fresco runs along the side walls, showing the procession of initiates bearing offerings, while three preliminary rooms have a niche with seven concentric circles representing the planetary spheres.
An inscription attests that the site was in use as early as AD 202. The mithraeum was violently destroyed around AD 400, probably by Christians, before the church of Santa Prisca was built. After a long closure and works financed with PNRR funds (Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, CAPUT MUNDI project), the site has reopened for guided visits on special occasions.
Highlights
- Third-century AD sanctuary of Mithras in a Trajanic cryptoporticus
- Tauroctony scene in gilded stucco in the rear niche
- Fresco of the procession of initiates on the side walls
- Niche with seven concentric circles representing the planetary spheres
Permanent exhibition
- Mitreo di Santa Prisca – Underground sanctuary of Mithras with ritual banquet hall, gilded stucco tauroctony and frescoes of the procession of initiates.
- Operated by
- Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma (Ministero della Cultura)
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The site can only be visited with a guide, by reservation through the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma. |
