Case Romane del Celio

The Basics

In contrast to the opulent Roman palaces and amphitheaters, Case Romane del Celio offers a view of domestic life, with frescoes giving testimony to the use of each room. First housing the upper crust, the residence changed hands many times before becoming the home of Saint John and Saint Paul—see frescoes depicting Roman soldiers leading them to their deaths. In the 5th century, the basilica was built on top, burying Case like a secret until the 1800s.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Suitable for art lovers of all ages.
• Admission is about US$9 for adults, about US$7 for children aged 12 - 18 while children under 12 are free to enter.
• Tours may include round trip hotel transfers. Check specific tours for details.

How to Get There

Case Romane del Celio is located on Clivo di Scauro, an arched street between the Basilica di S. Gregorio and Villa Celimontana, just north of the Colosseum. Take a taxi to the site, or any number of buses (51, 75, 81, 5, 87, C3, N2, or N11) to the S. Gregorio stop or take the tram (3 or 8) to the Parco Celio stop.

When to Get There

Case Romane del Celio is open Thursday - Monday,xa0 10am - 1pm and 3pm - 6pm.xa0 Avoid Rome’s dense tourist throngs by traveling during the pleasant shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Even better for avoiding crowds is the winter, though temperatures can dip to freezing.

Santi Quattro Coronati

Walk through the Parco del Celio to an off-the-beaten-track gem cared for by Augustinian nuns since the 16th century. Secreted within the medieval Santi Quattro Coronati is a cardinal's palace, a convent,xa0 a basilica with rare 13th century frescoes inside Chapel of Sylvester called the “medieval Sistine Chapel,” and a 13th-century cloister with possibly the earliest surviving example of the decorative Cosmati inlay stonework. And twice a month, visitors may view spectacular “profane” frescoes, freshly refurbished.

Ways to explore

You can purchase timed tickets online in advance or at the attraction. Unlike Rome’s opulent palaces and amphitheaters, Case Romane del Celio focuses on domestic life, with frescoes illustrating the use of each room. First housing the rich, the residence changed hands many times before becoming the home of Saint John and Saint Paul. In the fifth century, a basilica was built on top, burying the site until its discovery in the 1800s.

For more context, see the remains on a history or underground tour with a local guide. An audio tour (additional fee) is available in Italian and English.

Accessibility

Mostly wheelchair-accessible, except a fourth-century confessional

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small bag, water bottle, card/cash for tickets or audio guides

What to wear

Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes

Not allowed

Photography, eating, smoking, large bags

Amenities

Restrooms, audio guides in English and Italian

Address

Just south of the Colosseum, Case Romane del Celio is in Rome’s historic core. You’ll want to get there on foot, by tour, or via public transportation.

Driving

Case Romane del Celio is technically reachable by car, but it’s located within Rome’s ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), where restrictions prohibit most private vehicles from entering in designated hours. You’re much better off on a tour or public transit.

Public transportation

Take Metro line B to the Colosseo stop, a 20-minute walk, or Circo Massimo stop, an 11-minute walk.

Best times to visit

Visit early in the morning or near closing (typically around 4pm) for smaller crowds.

Best days to visit

Case Romane del Celio is open most days of the year, and there’s no bad day to visit. Midweek crowds tend to be smaller.

Best months to visit

May through October offer slightly longer hours and better weather, but you’ll run into fewer tourists in the off-season (November to April).