Travel Guides Crafted by Experienced Archaeologists & Historians

Case Romane del Celio: Uncovering the Layers of Ancient Life in Rome

Sitting quietly on top of the Caelian Hill in Rome are the Case Romane del Celio snapshots of early Roman history showing the changes that time and the rise of Christianity brought to the city. Twenty rooms are preserved under a 4th century basilica, each serving as evidence for their former uses over the years as homes, shops and even as a Christian shrine. Decorated with a unique mix of pagan and early Christian frescoes, these rooms allow visitors a beautiful glimpse into ancient Roman homes and daily life. As a requirement of my degree programme I spent six months as an intern here, and wrote this article to encourage more people to visit  one of Rome’s hidden gems.

Recommended Entry Ticket for Case Romane del Celio

Or, continue reading this page for all the information you need in preparation for your visit to the Case Romane del Celio.

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History of Case Romane Del Celio

The shrine of the martyrs in Case Romane del Celio, Rome.
A close-up of the shrine for the martyrs, depicting two Roman soldiers leading Crispus, Srispianus, and Benedicta to their death.

Case Romane Del Celio Today

case-romane-del-celio-guardian-spirit
A guardian spirit surrounded by wild birds and floral wreaths.
case-romane-del-celio-marble-room
A view into a room with imitation marble frescoes and a 20th century altar.
Proserpine in the Nymphaeum of Case Romane del Celio, Rome.
The fresco of Proserpine in the Nymphaeum.
case-romane-del-celio-medieval-fresco
A medieval fresco of Christ risen displayed in the museum.

Visiting Case Romane Del Celio

Where is Case Romane del Celio

Opening Hours

1 November to 30 April: daily, except Tuesday, from 10.00 – 16.00 daily, except Tuesday and Thursday
1 May to 31 October: daily from 10.00 – 18.00
Closed on the following days: 1 January, 25 December, Tuesdays and Thursdays

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Special Events at Case Romane del Celio

The venue also hosts a number of special events throughout the year. The most notable special events are the evening visit, which features a guided tour followed by a light meal of aperitivos made using ancient Roman recipes. Guests also enjoy theatrical interludes throughout the meal. These events are conducted in both Italian and English and happen several times throughout the year, but they can also be done upon request as well. Prices and dates of these visits can be found by visiting the website.

Accessibility of Case Romane del Celio

All parts of the attraction are wheelchair accessible, except for the 4th century AD Confessio, which can only be accessed by steps.

Languages

All of the signs and markers within the Case Romane del Celio are in both English and Italian. For more information, a small informational guide can be purchased for 4€, and a free app about the site is also available for download. Be aware, that as one of Rome’s smaller sites, not all of the employees are completely fluent in English, but the information is available in various languages.

Facilities

Bookshop

Entrance to Case Romane del Celio on Clivo di Scauro, Rome.
The entrance to the Case Romane along Clivo di Scauro, an ancient Roman Road that has kept its original name.

Add Case Romane del Celio to Your Itineraries & Travel Lists

Case Romane del Celio

At the top of the Caelian Hill are the Case Romane del Celio, snapshots of early Roman history.Twenty rooms are preserved under a 4th century basilica, each with evidence for their former use over the years as homes, shops and even as a Christian shrine. Decorated with a unique mix of pagan and early Christian frescoes, these rooms give visitors a glimpse into ancient Roman homes and daily life, showing the changes that time and the rise of Christianity brought to the city.

Archaeology Travel Writer

William Tjeltveit

Will has a Batchelor of Art degree in History from Trinity College in Connecticut, USA. He is most interested in historical memory and how we remember the past and loves to visit historical sites of all kinds. When not studying he loves to hike and to travel around the US and the world and has been able to intern at a variety of sites ranging from an archaeological site in Rome to a Civil War Battlefield in Tennessee.

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