July 7, 2018  Case Romane del Celio

The Romans had a habit of building on top of existing structures.  This practice has resulted in little gems being uncovered over the years that allow a glimpse of life in the past.  One of these gems is Case Romane del Celio.  It is located near the Colosseum and under the Basilica of Saints John and Peter and is very worth a visit.

During the first to fourth centuries, a series of structures were built on Caelian Hill which overlooks the Colosseum.  As there is a passage connecting this area with the amphitheater, some of the first rooms may have been used for holding animals used in events.

Over time additional buildings were added and during the late 3rd century the buildings were combined into one large building complex.  Eventually John and Paul (now St. John and St. Paul), two officers at the court of Constantine, resided in the structure.  They were both beheaded as martyrs by Emperor Julian the Apostate and buried at the property in 362 AD.

This site is one of the best preserved residence and also ‘house churches’ of the period and still contains many of the original frescoes.

In 398, the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo al Celio, was built on top of the site. 

In 1887, Father Germano da San Stanislao, the rector of the Basilica, decided to go in search of the tombs of St. John and St. Paul.  What he uncovered were these 20 rooms within 5 buildings.