Inclusions
Exclusions
Check out the route map here.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Go for: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Duration: Flexible
Guide Access: No
Recommended tickets:
Roma Pass & Omnia Card with Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Rome
Go for: Entry ticket
Duration: 40 mins
Guide Access: Yes, through a virtual audio guide.
Recommended tickets:
Tickets to Mamertine Prison
Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Half a day to a full day, depending on your pace.
Guide Access: Yes, with a multimedia tablet
Recommended tickets:
Tickets to Mamertine Prison & Capitoline Museums
Book your Mamertine Prison tickets online and enjoy a super flexible cancellation policy, with which you can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Confront the grim realities of ancient Roman executions, carried out through strangulation or starvation, with bodies disposed of in the Tiber River. It has been a confinement place of historical figures like Jugurtha, and the king of the Gauls -Vercingetorix, who was defeated by Julius Caesar, who later ended their days here.
Pay homage at the altar featuring busts of the Apostles Peter and Paul, who were held here during their trial under Emperor Nero. The upside-down cross symbolizes St. Peter's crucifixion in 64 AD. They converted their jailers, performed miracles, and even turned the prison's rooms into chapels once its use as a jail ceased.
Within the Mamertine Prisons, you can explore the converted chapels that were once places of worship, offering a profound contrast to the prison's grim history. These chapels serve as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the transition from incarceration to spiritual devotion.
Marvel at the ancient Roman architecture of the prison, which dates back to the 7th century BC. The structure's design reflects the utilitarian approach of the time, with its rugged stone walls and basic construction. The cells offer a stark reminder of the harsh conditions endured by prisoners. An inscription attests to its restoration in the 1st century AD.
Mamertine, the sole 7th-century BC Roman prison, had two cells - Carcer and Tullianum. Carcer, constructed around a spring, used red and yellow tuff rocks. A small door in the upper cell led to the lower cell, and a chamber door connected to Rome's sewer system. These stark, windowless chambers, hewn from solid rock, reflect the unforgiving nature of Roman justice.
The Tullianum Dungeon, situated twelve feet underground within Mamertine Prisons, is a chilling subterranean chamber. Named after its builder, Servius Tullius, it features just one round aperture in each vault, providing limited light, air, and access. This bleak and cramped dungeon often led to grim outcomes through strangulation or starvation.
General timings:
Daily: 9 AM - 5 PM
Last Entry: 4:30 PM
The best time to visit Mamertine Prisons is during the morning or early afternoon to avoid large crowds. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, providing a more tranquil and immersive experience. Additionally, visiting during the cooler months of spring or autumn ensures pleasant weather for exploring this historic site.
Detailed Mamertine Prisons HoursAddress: Carcere Mamertino, Clivo Argentario, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The entrances to Mamertine Prisons are located as follows:
These entrance points are strategically placed to allow convenient access to different parts of the Mamertine Prisons complex and the surrounding historic sites.
Ticket prices for Mamertine Prison can vary based on factors like age, nationality, and the type of ticket (e.g., standard, reduced, or guided tour). The tickets start from €10.
Tickets to Mamertine Prison can typically be booked online through authorized ticketing platforms, or in person at the site's ticket counter. Online booking is recommended to secure your entry and potentially skip the lines.
Mamertine Prison tickets usually grant access to the prison itself, including its historical chambers, religious significance, and multimedia guides (if applicable). Specific inclusions may vary, so it's wise to review the ticket details when booking.
Mamertine Prison may offer skip-the-line tickets, allowing you to bypass regular entrance queues. These tickets are a great option to save time and make the most of your visit.
Visitors can get access to Mamertine Prison by booking tickets online.
Mamertine Prison is in Rome’s Capitoline Hill. It is located at Clivo Argentario, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
Mamertine Prison has two cells – Tullianum and Carcer. The prison is also linked to Christianity as martyrs St. Paul and St. Peter were imprisoned here during their trial. According to history, many important and notable figures were imprisoned at Mamertine prison.
If you are in the city, Mamertine Prison is easily accessible by bus and tram.
Mamertine Prison is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
No, unfortunately, Mamertine Prison is not suitable for visitors in a wheelchair.
Yes, visitors can click pictures inside Mamertine Prison. However, professional photography is not allowed.
Yes, Mamertine Prison is worth visiting as it was the only prison in the Roman empire. It is related to some of the important historical figures in antiquity. If you are a fan of Roman history, culture, and architecture Mamertine Prison is a must-visit historical site.