Things to do

Sepolcro a tempietto

Vicolo di S. Passera, 1, 00146 Roma RM

Rating: 5.0 ★ (1 rating)

Details

Sepolcro a tempietto, located along the historic Appia Antica in Rome, is a remarkable monumental tomb dating back to the 2nd century A.D.. This distinctive funerary monument showcases the architectural style prevalent during the Antonine Age, characterised by its finely crafted brickwork that creates a sophisticated decorative effect through the contrasting hues of terracotta. It stands as a well-preserved example of Roman burial architecture, offering visitors a tangible connection to ancient traditions and aesthetics in a serene, historic setting.

This two-storey structure features a lower funerary chamber and an upper area designated for ancient funeral rites. The exterior is notable for its characteristic yellow and red brick facing, defining the architectural embellishments on its walls. Particularly well-maintained is the rear façade, which retains its crowning pediment, corbels, pilasters with capitals, and window frames, all intricately fashioned from terracotta. Access to the funerary chamber, now secured by a gate, is also found on this side.

For enthusiasts of Roman archaeology and ancient history, this site offers a compelling experience. It suits those undertaking a walk or cycle along the Appia Antica, providing a detailed insight into Roman funerary customs and monumental design, making it ideal for independent exploration as it is freely accessible. The overall appeal lies in its authenticity and the opportunity to witness a significant piece of Rome's ancient past firsthand.

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https://www.info.roma.it/monumenti_dettaglio.asp?ID_schede=4056&ch=1

Comments

Roberto Cecchini

7 Apr 2026

5.0 ★

I'm adding this site with its FIRST review because, while it's true that it's part of the Santa Passera complex, in fact, having a separate entrance and being a separate structure that can be visited independently, it's an attraction in its own right. The church was actually built over it in the Middle Ages, and its original entrance—as seen from the stairs leading to the church's elevated entrance—faced the Tiber and is now blocked by a door, locked with a latch. This is the first construction dating back to at least the 5th century, built on the riverbank, on the site where the remains of Saints Cyrus and John were transported. Not in a random location, but in a Roman tomb dating to between the 2nd and 3rd centuries, on land belonging to the matron Theodora. This underground space is nothing other than the remains of the 5th-century oratory that was built over the remains of the Roman tomb, as evidenced by the inscription on the entrance door carved into the architrave, visible from the inside. This four-chamber structure sits above another small rectangular room, discovered only in 1904. Decorated with funerary paintings, it likely housed the bodies of saints, and contains the remains of sepulchral paintings, which have been identified as the pagan goddess of Justice, Dike. Today, only a few geometric decorations are visible, and even the paintings in the oratory are practically invisible unless you look carefully (though you can see traces of the mesh vaulting, typical of the area and giving it its name, "magliana"). Absolutely fascinating and worth a visit. Need some useful information? Then leave a like and check out other reviews on Rome and beyond.