Case Romane del Celio Rome
Explore ancient Roman houses beneath a basilica, marveling at stunning frescoes and layered history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Case Romane del Celio Rome
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Roman houses beneath a basilica, marveling at stunning frescoes and layered history.
"One of the best sites showing an ancient Roman house in the entire city, with immaculate frescoes."
Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid potential queues and ensure entry. :ticket:
Don't Skip the Audio Guide
Highly recommended for understanding the history and art. It's a game-changer! :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Frescoes
Various rooms
Stunning, well-preserved wall paintings offering glimpses into ancient Roman life and art.
Multi-Layered History
Throughout the complex
Explore rooms and corridors revealing how different eras, from classical to medieval, layered upon each other.
Ancient Household Remains
Various rooms
Discover remnants of ancient Roman homes, including dining rooms, wine cellars, and altars.
The 'Salone dei Marmi'
Specific chamber
Admire the impressive marble decorations and intricate carvings in this significant room.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Audio Guide is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid potential queues and ensure entry. :ticket:
Don't Skip the Audio Guide
Highly recommended for understanding the history and art. It's a game-changer! :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through ancient spaces, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Allow 60-90 Minutes
Give yourself ample time to explore and absorb the details of this fascinating site. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid potential queues and ensure entry. :ticket:
Don't Skip the Audio Guide
Highly recommended for understanding the history and art. It's a game-changer! :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through ancient spaces, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Allow 60-90 Minutes
Give yourself ample time to explore and absorb the details of this fascinating site. :clock1:
Combine with Nearby Sites
It's conveniently located near the Colosseum and Circo Maximus. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Case Romane del Celio as a remarkably well-preserved and insightful ancient Roman house complex. The stunning frescoes and the layered history are highlights, offering a unique glimpse into daily life centuries ago. Many recommend the audio guide for a deeper understanding, noting it's an underappreciated gem.
"We attended to the night tour in August 2025. It was nice. Even though we bought the tour tickets in advance from the website, they asked for the entrance fee for the building separately. Therefore it took some time paying everyone."
Ece Aksoy
"First rate for a small museum. You get to see a) the dimensions of a normal roman house as it evolved over centuries b) how different ages (classical and middle) layered on top of on another. C) get close and walk the alleyways of ancient rome. Highly recommended. Takes about 60-90 min."
bcbrun
"This is one of the best sites showing an ancient Roman house in the entire city. It’s underneath a church, has been immaculately restored, and has a first rate audio guide. Upon entering, you walk into a number of the rooms and see the fresco decorations on the walls - in near perfect condition. The audio guide talks you through the imagery in the frescoes, pointing out clues about the people who lived there. The house had several stories, a dining room, a wine cellar, several alters, connecting corridors, wells and staircases. There is an amazing little museum at the conclusion. I’m amazed this site is not better known."
Anna Reynolds
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Case Romane del Celio is located beneath the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo on the Caelian Hill. You can reach it by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from the Colosseum and Circo Massimo, making it a great addition to a day of sightseeing.
The site is generally accessible, but as it's an ancient underground complex, some areas might involve stairs. It's advisable to check accessibility details if you have specific mobility concerns.
Many visitors find it convenient to walk from nearby attractions like the Colosseum or take a bus. The Caelian Hill itself is a beautiful area to explore on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While some reviews mention paying an entrance fee separately from tour tickets, it's best to check the official website for the most current pricing and ticketing information. Booking online in advance is recommended.
Yes, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your entry and potentially avoid queues.
While some visitors have noted a lack of guided tours on-site, an audio guide is available and highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the site's history and art. +1
Opening hours can vary, so it's essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You'll explore ancient Roman houses with stunning frescoes, discover remnants of daily life, and witness how different historical periods have layered upon each other. The site offers a unique glimpse into Rome's past. 
Most visitors spend between 60 to 90 minutes exploring the site, allowing time to appreciate the frescoes and understand the historical context with the audio guide.
Yes, an excellent audio guide is available and highly recommended. It provides detailed explanations of the frescoes and the history of the houses.
Some visitors have noted that certain areas, like a descending staircase, may be closed off, suggesting that the complex might extend further than what is currently accessible.
The 'Salone dei Marmi' is a notable room within Case Romane del Celio, featuring impressive marble decorations and intricate carvings, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Roman interiors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Case Romane del Celio, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or tripods.
The vibrant frescoes and the intricate marble details in the 'Salone dei Marmi' offer excellent photographic opportunities. The atmospheric underground setting also creates unique shots.
The underground nature of the site means it can be dimly lit in some areas. Using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be beneficial for capturing clear images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the Frescoes
+1Visitors often express amazement at the preservation quality of these frescoes, noting how they provide a tangible connection to the past. The themes range from mythological scenes to everyday life, giving a nuanced understanding of Roman aesthetics and beliefs. The ability to get up close and personal with these ancient artworks is a unique aspect of the Case Romane experience, setting it apart from many other Roman historical sites.
A Journey Through Time: Layered History
+1As you wander through the corridors and rooms, you can observe how later inhabitants adapted or built upon the existing structures. This is evident in the different construction techniques and decorative styles encountered. The site effectively demonstrates the continuous occupation and transformation of urban spaces in Rome, offering a tangible representation of the city's enduring legacy.
Beyond the Tourist Trail: A Hidden Gem
This relative obscurity contributes to its charm, offering a respite from the bustling tourist hubs. Travelers who seek out these less-visited sites often find them to be among their most memorable Roman experiences, providing a deeper connection to the city's history without the overwhelming throngs of people.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit