US EditionIn a Routine Excavation, Archaeologists Accidentally Uncovered a Secret Pope’s Palace
- Archaeologists uncovered large walled structures beneath Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome during 2024 renovations for Jubilee 2025.
- The discovery occurred amid preparations for the Jubilee and reveals architecture dating from the 9th to 13th centuries when the papal capital was at the Patriarchate before moving to Avignon in 1305.
- The volcanic rock walls, possibly part of the Patriarchate papal residence, were expanded in the Middle Ages and served as a defensive barrier against Saracen raids and aristocratic family conflicts.
- Italian Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano emphasized that the findings at Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano reveal the richness of Rome’s archaeological heritage and provide valuable insights into the city’s medieval past.
- This finding offers a rare insight into Rome’s past, especially papal life and medieval struggles, and complements extensive but rare modern excavations at this historically rich site.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Archaeology breakthrough as hidden 'papal palace' accidentally uncovered underneath Rome
Archaeology breakthrough as hidden 'papal palace' accidentally uncovered underneath Rome - Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery beneath Rome, unearthing a hidden ancient palace that likely served as home to Popes between the ninth and thirteenth centuries AD
The Sun
Secret ancient papal palace where Popes lived before the Vatican is unearthed
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed ruins from a hidden ancient palace which housed popes for centuries before the Vatican was established. The discoveries give a rare glimpse into the dangers faced by the papacy in Rome‘s medieval times. Italian Ministry of CultureArchaeologists have uncovered the ruins of the first residence of popes[/caption] Italian Ministry of CultureDefensive walls were excavated in the Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, the squar…
Remains of ancient Papal palace believed to have been found in Rome
The remains of what appears to be a medieval palace where popes lived before they made the Vatican their home have been excavated in Rome prior to renovations for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, or Jubilee, the Italian Culture Ministry said on Wednesday.
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