Rome, the underground basilica of Porta Maggiore reopens after two years

After two years of closure, the Special Superintendence of Rome is reopening the doors of the Underground Basilica of Porta Maggiore to present visitors with new lighting and restorations before starting another conservation site. The date, for one weekend only, is March 18-20, 2021. This is another stage promoted by the Special Superintendence of Rome in the restitution of this 1st century AD monument.

The relationship with the natural light that penetrated from the skylight of the vestibule is the basis of a lighting design that suggests a series of chiaroscuro between the stucco bas-reliefs and the architectural volumes. The new lighting is also intended to suggest the blue color of the apse, originally painted with a very expensive pigment, Egyptian frit, which was removed in ancient times. Made with LED lights of various colors and gradations, the system returns with very low consumption a soft light typical of underground environments. The new lighting was designed by Anna De Santis, Carolina De Camillis and Riccardo Fibbi.

Due to the hypogeal nature of the monument, efflorescence, carbonation stains, and patinas of microorganisms are periodically created on the decoration of the basilica. The new restoration involved the entrance wall and pillars of the left aisle as well as the lower part of the vestibule, which is frescoed against a background of morellone red. Thus re-emerged the paintings of human figures, animals and landscapes of the finest art of the Julio-Claudian age. The restoration was supervised by Chiara Scioscia Santoro of the Soprintendenza and Mariangela Santella.

“A magical place that returns to the public after painstaking work, an important achievement for all the people who have visited it remaining impressed and for those who still do not know it,” says Superintendent Daniela Porro. “The Basilica is a unique place in the world because of its underground nature, made even more fascinating by the mystery about its use. For more than a century archaeologists and historians have debated whether it was the site of mystery cults or a funerary monument, but the two functions may have coexisted.”

Guided tours March 18-20 take place at 10 a.m.-11 a.m.-12 p.m.-3 p.m.-4 p.m.-5 p.m. Reservations required only online at www.coopculture.it. The guided tour is 35 minutes long, for a maximum of 15 participants per round The cost of the guided tour is €5.50 plus €2.00 reservation fee per person. It is mandatory to show your green pass and wear a mask.

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Detail of the decoration of the vestibule

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Rome, the underground basilica of Porta Maggiore reopens after two years

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