- UNESCO
- Free 1st Sunday
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Archaeological site, 1st century
Underground basilica of Porta Maggiore
Ancient religious monument in Rome, Italy
At a glance
- Type
- Archaeological site
- Period
- Antiquity, 1st century
- Style
- Neopythagoreanism
- Protection
- Italian national heritage
- Coordinates
- 41°53′30″ N, 12°30′59″ E
- Address
- piazzale Labicano, 2 - Roma
History and description
The Porta Maggiore Basilica is an underground basilica discovered in 1917 near Porta Maggiore in Rome. It is dated to the 1st century BC. It is believed to have been the meeting place of the neo-Pythagoreans and is the only historical site that has been associated with the neo-Pythagorean movement. This school of mystical Hellenistic philosophy preached asceticism and was based on the works of Pythagoras and Plato. It was a precursor to the basilicas built during the Christian period, centuries later. It was opened to small groups of visitors in April 2015.
Discovery
The basilica is 12 m (40 ft) below the street level. The underground chamber was discovered accidentally in 1917 during the construction of a railway line from Rome to Cassino. An underground passage caved in, revealing the hidden chamber.
The structure is thought to have been constructed by the Statilius family. The head of the family Titus Statilius Taurus was accused by the Senate for what Tacitus in his Annals calls "addiction to magical superstitions". Taurus protested his innocence but eventually committed suicide in 53 CE.
Architecture
The basilica has three naves lined by six rock pillars and an apse. They are decorated with stucco images of centaurs, griffins and satyrs. Classical heroes such as Achilles, Orpheus, Paris and Hercules are also represented.
Originally the basilica was entered through a long downhill entrance from the Prenestina Street, and through a vestibule.
Opening
The basilica underwent several years of restoration work. In 1951, a concrete shell was constructed that enclosed the entire basilica. Air purifiers from IQAir in Switzerland have been installed to combat radon gas.
The 40 ft-long basilica is now opened to visitors. The visiting groups are kept small because of the fragility of the monument. The temperature and humidity is kept within a narrow range. It is open during 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, and the tour is prearranged.
Text from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Full article: «Underground basilica of Porta Maggiore».
Timeline
- 1st centuryBuilt
Events and people from Wikidata (CC0).
Photos
Getting there
Roma TerminiTrain, nearest
1.5 km as the crow flies
Underground basilica of Porta Maggiorepiazzale Labicano, 2 - Roma
Aeroporto di Roma-Ciampino12.1 km
Distances are as the crow flies, not walking or driving.
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Nearby
See on the mapMore archaeological sites in Lazio
- Free 1st Sunday
- Free 1st Sunday
- UNESCO
Frequently asked questions
Where is Underground basilica of Porta Maggiore?
Underground basilica of Porta Maggiore is in Rome, in the province of Roma (Lazio), Italy. Address: piazzale Labicano, 2 - Roma. GPS coordinates: 41.89180, 12.51648.
How old is Underground basilica of Porta Maggiore?
Wikidata dates it to the 1st century.
What else is there to see near Underground basilica of Porta Maggiore?
Nearby you’ll find: Tomb of Eurysaces the Baker (100 m away), Porta Maggiore (100 m away), Thermae Helenianae (300 m away).
Sources and licences
Text. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Data. Wikidata (CC0); opening hours and contacts OpenStreetMap (ODbL).
Photos. Wikimedia Commons, author and licence on every image.
Credits for the 9 photos
- Stucchi della volta della basilica sotterranea di porta maggiore — Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain
- Mosaic, Porta Maggiore underground basilica — MumblerJamie, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Skylight, Porta Maggiore underground basilica — MumblerJamie, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Stucchi della volta della basilica sotterranea di porta maggiore 1 — Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain
- The Apse of the Basilica 01 — MumblerJamie, CC BY-SA 2.0
- The Apse of the Basilica 02a — MumblerJamie, CC BY-SA 2.5
- Arch Stucco — MumblerJamie, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Atrium Stucco 01 — MumblerJamie, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Atrium Stucco 01a — Mumbler Jamie, CC BY-SA 2.5
Updated 28 October 2026. All sources and licences