Archaeologists working in Rome have uncovered a series of medieval structures beneath Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano. They believe it might be a Papal residence dating between the 9th and 13th centuries.
This discovery is significant for Rome’s medieval history, as no extensive modern archaeological excavations have been conducted in the square until now. The dig is being carried out by the Special Superintendency of Rome under the direction of Daniela Porro.
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Photo courtesy Italian Ministry of Culture
The site is next to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, which dates back to the 4th century. The discovered structures, located in the eastern part of the excavation, may have served as a defensive wall for the papal residence. The construction, dating to the 9th century, includes large blocks of tuff reused from other structures and shows evidence of restorations up to the 13th century.
Photo courtesy Italian Ministry of Culture
The wall’s design varies: the eastern section features tuff blocks with buttresses, while the western section has wedge-shaped buttresses. The final part near the Basilica’s parvis has square-shaped buttresses.
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The construction of this structure occurred during a turbulent period marked by Muslim raids and internal conflicts among aristocratic families vying for power. This suggests the wall’s defensive purpose around the Basilica complex. When the Papacy moved to Avignon in 1305, the palace and its walls were probably no longer used and were eventually demolished.
Photo courtesy Italian Ministry of Culture
“The new discoveries in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano are yet another demonstration of the richness of the territory of Rome, an inexhaustible mine of archaeological treasures,” says Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s Minister of Culture. “Every single stone speaks to us and tells its story: thanks to these important discoveries, archaeologists will be able to learn more about our past. I would like to express my satisfaction for the commitment and passion that researchers are putting into their work. It is essential to combine the protection of our history with the need to protect and modernize the urban fabric.”
Archaeologists working in Rome have uncovered a series of medieval structures beneath Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano. They believe it might be a Papal residence dating between the 9th and 13th centuries.
This discovery is significant for Rome’s medieval history, as no extensive modern archaeological excavations have been conducted in the square until now. The dig is being carried out by the Special Superintendency of Rome under the direction of Daniela Porro.
The site is next to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, which dates back to the 4th century. The discovered structures, located in the eastern part of the excavation, may have served as a defensive wall for the papal residence. The construction, dating to the 9th century, includes large blocks of tuff reused from other structures and shows evidence of restorations up to the 13th century.
The wall’s design varies: the eastern section features tuff blocks with buttresses, while the western section has wedge-shaped buttresses. The final part near the Basilica’s parvis has square-shaped buttresses.
The construction of this structure occurred during a turbulent period marked by Muslim raids and internal conflicts among aristocratic families vying for power. This suggests the wall’s defensive purpose around the Basilica complex. When the Papacy moved to Avignon in 1305, the palace and its walls were probably no longer used and were eventually demolished.
“The new discoveries in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano are yet another demonstration of the richness of the territory of Rome, an inexhaustible mine of archaeological treasures,” says Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s Minister of Culture. “Every single stone speaks to us and tells its story: thanks to these important discoveries, archaeologists will be able to learn more about our past. I would like to express my satisfaction for the commitment and passion that researchers are putting into their work. It is essential to combine the protection of our history with the need to protect and modernize the urban fabric.”
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