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Clivo Argentario 1
Tel. 06- 679 29 02
Bus: 84, 85, 87,
175, 186, 810, 850
Open: 9am- 12:30pm, 2- 5pm daily
The prison of Mamertina or Mamertine prison (Italian: Carcere
Mamertino), in ancient times Tullian, was a prison (carcer)
located in Komitiume in ancient Rome. It was located on the
northeastern slope of Capitol Hill, overlooking the Curia and
the imperial forum of Nerva, Vespasian and Augustus. Between the
Mamertine Prison and Tabularium (the recording house) was the
staircase leading to Arks Capitolin, known as the Hemon
Staircase. The church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami is now above
the Mamertine prison.
According to tradition, the prison
was built around 640-616. BC by Ankus Marcius. It was originally
created as a cistern for a spring in the floor of the second
lower level. During Tullian, the former tank was dried to make
room for prisoners. It was connected with the main sewage system
of ancient Rome, therefore all bodies of executed people were
simply thrown into the sewers of the Eternal City. The bodies
were washed away without burial. It was here that the brave
Gallic leader Vercingetorix met his end in 52 BC after the
defeat and capture of them by Julius Caesar. Here the Apostle
Peter was also held as a prisoner for his religious beliefs. It
is said that he miraculously opened a spring in prison in which
he baptized prison guards. Peter's inverted cross is a reference
to the apostle Peter. The fact is that he was crucified upside
down on an inverted cross.
According to ancient tradition (recorded by historians like Livy and
Varro), the prison dates back to the 7th century BC, possibly
constructed around 640–616 BC by Ancus Marcius, the fourth king of Rome.
It may have originated as a cistern to capture a natural spring (the
word tullius in archaic Latin can mean "a jet of water"). Some
traditions link the name Tullianum to kings like Tullus Hostilius or
Servius Tullius.
The structure consists of two main levels:
Upper level (Carcer): Built later (possibly 6th century BC), this was a
trapezoidal room made of large blocks of tuff (volcanic stone), with a
barrel vault. It was renovated multiple times during the Republican and
early Imperial periods, including the addition of a prominent travertine
façade for visibility from the Forum.
Lower level (Tullianum): The
deeper, older dungeon, dug into the rock on the northeastern slope of
the Capitoline Hill. It was a dark, circular or semicircular chamber
(about 12 feet/3.7 meters below the upper level), accessible only
through a hole in the ceiling (an oubliette). A natural spring still
exists in the floor. Conditions were notoriously grim: damp,
foul-smelling, and airless, as described by Sallust in his account of
the Catiline conspirators.
The prison was strategically located
in the Comitium near the Roman Forum, facing the Curia (Senate house)
and later imperial forums. This placement made it a visible symbol of
Roman justice. Bodies of the executed were often disposed of via the
nearby Cloaca Maxima sewer into the Tiber River.
Scholars note that
while legendary accounts push construction to the regal period, the
lower cell's masonry suggests it may date more reliably to the 3rd
century BC or later, though the site likely had earlier use as a
cistern.
Use in the Roman Republic and Empire
In Roman law,
imprisonment was generally not a punishment in itself but a temporary
measure for detention before trial, during trial, or awaiting execution.
The Tullianum was reserved for elite or high-status prisoners—enemy
kings, generals, conspirators, and political threats—rather than
ordinary criminals (who might face hard labor in quarries or other
punishments).
Notable prisoners and executions include:
Jugurtha, King of Numidia (died 104 BC): Captured by Sulla, paraded in
Marius's triumph, then thrown into the Tullianum where he reportedly
starved to death (or was strangled) after humiliation. Plutarch vividly
describes his descent into madness.
Vercingetorix, Gallic chieftain
(executed 46 BC): Defeated by Julius Caesar at Alesia, held for years,
paraded in Caesar's triumph, then strangled or beheaded in the prison.
Catiline conspirators (63 BC): Including Publius Cornelius Lentulus
Sura; strangled in the Tullianum on Cicero's orders without full trial.
Others: Samnite leader Gaius Pontius, Galatian Adiatorix, some Cilician
pirates, Gracchan sympathizers, and later figures like Sejanus (under
Tiberius).
Executions typically involved strangulation,
starvation, or beheading. The site was part of a broader punitive
landscape including the Tarpeian Rock (for throwing traitors) and the
Gemonian Stairs (where bodies were displayed).
It was not designed
for long-term holding; the lower dungeon was especially unsuitable.
High-status captives were sometimes kept elsewhere under house arrest,
but the Tullianum served as Rome’s symbolic "death row" for the most
prominent enemies.
Christian Significance and Later History
The prison fell out of use as a secular facility around the 4th century
AD. By the early Middle Ages, it became a site of Christian veneration
due to its association with Saints Peter and Paul. Tradition holds that
they were imprisoned here under Nero (c. 64–68 AD) before their
martyrdoms—Peter crucified (upside down, per legend) and Paul beheaded.
A spring in the lower chamber is said to have miraculously appeared so
Peter could baptize guards (Processus and Martinianus) and other
prisoners.
Historical note: There is no definitive contemporary
evidence confirming Peter and Paul were held specifically here (Paul, as
a citizen, may have been under different custody), but the tradition is
ancient and plausible given the prison’s role for high-profile threats
to the state. It was referenced in Christian texts by at least the
4th–6th centuries.
The site was Christianized early: chapels were
built, and two superimposed churches now stand above and within it—San
Pietro in Carcere (lower) and San Giuseppe dei Falegnami (upper church
of St. Joseph of the Carpenters, built 1597–1663). An upside-down cross
on one altar commemorates Peter. The complex includes relics,
inscriptions, and an altar marking the apostles’ imprisonment.
The
name "Mamertine" is medieval, possibly referencing a nearby temple to
Mars (Mamers).
Modern Site
Today, the Mamertine Prison is a
tourist and pilgrimage site beneath the Church of San Giuseppe dei
Falegnami, near the Roman Forum and Arch of Septimius Severus.
Restorations (completed around 2016) have made it accessible with a
small museum exhibit. Visitors descend into the damp, atmospheric
chambers, which still evoke its grim past.
According to Roman tradition (recorded by Livy and others), the
prison was constructed around 640–616 BC by King Ancus Marcius, the
fourth king of Rome, originally possibly as a cistern or to enclose a
natural spring (tullius in archaic Latin, referring to a jet of water).
Archaeological evidence supports origins in the 7th–6th centuries BC
during the Roman Kingdom/early Republic.
It served primarily as a
secure holding place for high-status political prisoners, enemies of the
state, and those awaiting execution rather than a long-term penitentiary
for common criminals. Rome did not have a large prison system; detention
was usually short, with execution (strangulation, beheading, starvation)
or other punishments following quickly. The site was in use until around
the 4th century AD.
In the medieval period, it acquired the name
"Mamertine" (possibly from a nearby temple of Mars). A large travertine
façade was added in the early Imperial period. In the 16th century, the
church was built directly atop it, preserving the structure. Today, it
functions as a historical site and Christian shrine.
In-Depth
Architecture
The prison is a compact, multi-level subterranean
complex carved into the southern slope of the Capitoline Hill. It
consists of two main superimposed chambers:
Lower Chamber: The
Tullianum (the dungeon/oubliette)
This is the oldest part
(traditionally 7th century BC), roughly semicircular or oval in shape,
about 4m x 3m (roughly 12–13 feet deep below ground level). It was
partially hewn from natural rock and partially built with large blocks
of tuff (including peperino stone) fitted without cement in early
phases.Access was only through a circular hole in the ceiling (about 7
meters in diameter in some descriptions), through which prisoners were
lowered by rope. There was no ground-level door or windows, making it a
true dungeon. A spring or water source was present on the floor
(originally a cistern feature), which could provide minimal drinking
water but also contributed to dampness and foul conditions.The
environment was deliberately grim: dark, humid, poorly ventilated, with
foul air and stench from neglect. Sallust described it vividly as "foul
from neglect, darkness, and stench, it is an altogether terrifying
sight."
Upper Chamber: The Carcer
Added or expanded in the 6th
century BC (or later Republican modifications). This is a trapezoidal
room built with large blocks of red and yellow tuff, featuring a
barrel-vaulted stone ceiling. It was more accessible via stairs or
entrances and likely held prisoners temporarily before transfer to the
lower level.The overall complex used heavy masonry typical of early
Roman engineering. The upper level may have included multiple rooms or
been part of a larger original structure. A modern staircase now allows
visitor access.
Exterior and Later Additions: A prominent
travertine façade was added in the early Empire. The site is now
integrated into the church above, with Christian altars, frescoes, and
memorials inside the prison chambers (e.g., commemorating Saints Peter
and Paul).
The Tullianum was reserved for high-profile enemies, traitors, and
state prisoners. Many were paraded in triumphs before execution.
Confirmed or traditionally associated figures include:
Jugurtha,
King of Numidia (died c. 104 BC): Captured by Marius/Sulla. Paraded in
triumph, then lowered into the dungeon where he reportedly went mad, was
stripped (losing an earlobe), and starved to death over several days.
Vercingetorix, Gallic chieftain (died 46 BC): Leader of the revolt
against Julius Caesar (notably at Alesia). Held for years, paraded in
Caesar’s triumph, then strangled in the prison.
Catiline conspirators
(63 BC): Including Publius Cornelius Lentulus Sura; executed here on
Cicero’s orders.
Other notables: Simon Bar Giora (Jewish rebel, 70
AD), Eumenes III of Pergamum, various kings and pirates. Sejanus
(Tiberius’ praetorian prefect) is also mentioned.
Christian
Tradition — Saints Peter and Paul: Legend holds that both apostles were
imprisoned here under Nero (mid-1st century AD) before their martyrdoms.
Peter is said to have baptized guards and fellow prisoners (including
Processus and Martinianus) using water from the spring. While lacking
strong contemporary evidence, this tradition made the site a major
Christian pilgrimage destination, with chains and other relics
venerated.
Practical Visiting Information (2026)
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 AM
– 5:00 PM (last admission around 4:00 PM). Closed December 25 and
January 1.
Duration: 30–60 minutes (most visitors spend 40 minutes or
less; it’s small).
Tickets: €10 adult. Reduced €5 for children 6–17
and EU students under 25. Children under 5–6 free. Includes multilingual
audio guide (Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese).
Where to Buy: Official site via Omniavaticanrome.org (pre-book for
guaranteed access), third-party sites like GetYourGuide/Headout, or
on-site (less busy than major attractions, so possible day-of, but book
ahead in peak season).
Address: Clivo Argentario 1, 00186 Rome (near
Forum entrance, behind/near Church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami).
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (right at 9 AM) on weekdays for
fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Avoid midday in summer. It’s less
crowded overall than the Colosseum or Pantheon.
What to Expect
and What to See
The site is small and consists of two main levels:
Upper Chamber (Carcer): Trapezoidal room with ancient stonework.
Displays, exhibits, and info on the prison’s history. Look for the
grated opening in the floor — this was how prisoners were lowered into
the lower dungeon.
Lower Chamber (Tullianum): The darker, more
atmospheric dungeon. Semicircular, built with peperino stone. Features
the legendary spring, Christian fresco remnants (8th century), and a
solemn, dungeon-like feel. This is where the emotional weight of the
site hits hardest.
You’ll also see inscriptions, the church above
(San Giuseppe dei Falegnami — not always fully open), and Christian
elements layered over the pagan prison history.
The atmosphere is
quiet and reflective — more like a pilgrimage/historical site than a
flashy museum.
In-Depth Visiting Tips
Book Ahead: While not
always necessary, pre-booking avoids disappointment, especially if
combining with Colosseum/Forum tickets. Timed entry helps manage flow.
Audio Guide: Download the Vatican & Rome app in advance. It’s essential
for context (the site is otherwise minimal on signage). Bring earphones
and ensure your phone is charged. Some visitors note spotty service for
downloads inside.
Mobility & Accessibility: Not accessible for people
with mobility issues — involves steep/narrow stairs and uneven ancient
surfaces. Not suitable for wheelchairs or those with balance problems.
What to Wear/Bring:
Comfortable shoes (stairs and stone floors).
Light layers (cooler and damper underground).
Phone for audio/photos
(check rules — photography usually allowed but no flash/tripods).
Water (limited facilities).
Combine with Nearby Sites: Perfect
add-on to Roman Forum + Palatine Hill + Colosseum (15-minute walk to
Colosseum). Some combo tickets exist. You can visit before or after the
Forum.
Photography & Etiquette: Respect the solemn/religious nature.
Keep voices low. It’s a place of Christian significance for many.
Crowds & Value: Opinions vary — some call it a “must-see” for
history/faith; others say €10 is steep for 10–20 minutes of actual
dungeon time. It’s worthwhile if you’re into ancient Roman justice,
early Christianity, or want something off the main tourist path.
Restrooms/Facilities: Limited — use facilities at nearby cafes or Forum
if needed.
Getting There
Metro: Colosseo (Line B) — 10–15
minute walk.
Bus: Stops near Piazza Venezia.
Walking: Easy from
Capitoline Hill, Forum, or Vittoriano.