The Mamertine Prison in Rome – Tickets, Location & History
Ever wondered what it was like to be held in an ancient Roman prison? This guide provides all the essential information you need for visiting the Mamertine Prison in Rome.
Discover the Mamertine prison location on Capitoline Hill, find out the opening hours, learn how to get there from the city center, and get details on how to buy Mamertine prison tickets.
For history enthusiasts, I also delve into the prison's rich history, notable facts and events, the reasons behind its construction, and the famous prisoners held there during ancient Rome. Explore more and make the most of your Mamertine prison visit!
Contents
- 1 Best Mamertine Prison Tickets
- 2 How to get Mamertine Prison Tickets
- 3 The Mamertine Prison Opening Hours
- 4 Mamertine Prison Location Map
- 5 The Mamertine Prison Facts
- 6 What does Mamertine Prison Rome look like today?
- 7 Less-known Facts & famous guests
- 8 St Paul & St Peter in The Prison
- 9 Top Attractions near The Mamertine Prison in Rome
- 10 FAQs
- 11 Conclusion
Best Mamertine Prison Tickets
Are you planning to visit the Mamertine Prison exclusively, or would you prefer a combo ticket that includes access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Mamertine Prison for the price of one ticket?
No matter your plans, here are the best Mamertine Prison tickets you can book right now >>
How to get Mamertine Prison Tickets
Tickets cost about €11 and should be booked in advance (available online here). Children under 6 are free.
You can also book at the ticket counter at the associated museum on site.
The price includes tour in audiobook form in English, Italian and Spanish.
You can also opt for the entrance to the Mamertine Prison with an audio guide (ticket here). There is also a good deal with a combo ticket to join your Mamertine tour with the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (check availabilities here).
The Mamertine Prison Opening Hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Sunday | 9 am to 5 pm |
Mamertine Prison Location Map
The Mamertine Prison is located at Clivo Argentario, 1.
Take Metro Line B to the Colosseo stop. From termini, this option takes only 3 minutes.
You won't need much time for exploring Mamertine Prison, as the premises are small. But around the ancient prison there are many other sights to see. Of course, the marvellous Capitolini Museums are within a stone’s throw of the Mamertine Prison and are a day out in themselves.
The Mamertine Prison Facts
- A Mamertine Prison sentence was actually something that was used as a punishment under Roman Law (you were more likely to get killed or enslaved)
- The ancient prison actually existed more as a place to hold those accused of crimes before trial or when they were awaiting execution
- It is thought that St Peter was held here and that the spring that exists appeared supernaturally so he could hold baptisms there
- A church called San Giuseppe dei Falegnami now stands on the site of the Prison above ground
- There is a little bit of confusion about the spring that exists in one of the cells. Christian pilgrims claim it miraculously appeared. However, the construction actually originally contained the spring, and the cells were converted from there. So it’s unlikely the source from which St Peter used to baptise guards and fellow prisoners actually had a miraculous origin
What does Mamertine Prison Rome look like today?
The ancient prison is found underneath the San Giuseppe dei Falegnami church.
One of the most striking features are the images of the upside down cross. This is not a detriment to Christianity, rather a religious reference to St Peter, who was crucified upside-down.
Christian pilgrims also had an altar installed there. The architecture and construction is interesting too. There are two cells to be found in the Mamertine Prison Rome, one on top of the other.
Of course, being underground, the cells are pretty dark and dank. Once can imagine it would have been pretty grim to be held there.
Less-known Facts & famous guests
Aside from St Peter, there is a long list of other famous people and leaders who were imprisoned in the Tullianum, usually prior to their deaths.
- Gaulish leader Vercingetorix who was executed in 46BC
- Jewish leader Simon bar Giora, who was brought from the Holy Land and executed in 70AD
- Herennius Siculus was being held here prior to his execution. But he apparently banged his head on a post and died in the cell
- Jugurtha, King of Numidia who starved to death in the cell
- SS. Martinian and Processus were guards at the Mamertine Prison. St Peter baptised them there, and they were then held and sentenced to death
St Paul & St Peter in The Prison
One of the most important parts of the Mamertine Prison history is the fact that St Peter and St Paul were known to have been held there.
Little is known as to how and why St Peter came to be imprisoned there, but there is a detailed legend of St Paul’s experience.
Mamertine Prison St Paul
In July 64AD, a fire spread through ancient Rome. However, the Christian districts remained largely unscathed. Rumours were swirling at the time that Emperor Nero had orchestrated the inferno so that he could upgrade the city to his own architectural preferences.
Trying to save his name, Nero accused the Christians, and blame fell to Paul. There is reference to this event in the Bible, Acts 24.5
“We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes.”
Paul was subsequently arrested and thrown into the horrible lower cell in the Mamertine Prison to await execution. It is believed he was executed in 68 AD.
Top Attractions near The Mamertine Prison in Rome
After exploring the ancient Mamertine Prison, you’ll find yourself surrounded by even more of Rome’s famous sights.
Located in the city's historic center, the area is packed with fascinating landmarks and hidden gems that are ready to be discovered.
- Roman Forum – Just a short walk from the prison, the Roman Forum (see tickets here) is a must-see. Wander through the ruins of old temples and markets, and imagine the bustling life that once filled these ancient streets.
- Capitoline Hill – For amazing views and some art, head to Capitoline Hill. It’s home to the Capitoline Museums (check price on this page) and the stunning Piazza del Campidoglio, which was designed by Michelangelo. It’s a perfect mix of history and beauty.
- Altar of the Fatherland (Vittoriano) – This huge monument is just a few minutes away. The Altar of the Fatherland offers great views from its terrace (check this panoramic elevator ticket) and tells the story of Italy's unification. Its impressive size makes it worth a visit.
- Piazza Venezia – Right in the center of Rome, Piazza Venezia is a lively spot where different architectural styles come together. It's a great place to start or end your walk, with plenty of photo opportunities.
- Largo di Torre Argentina – This spot is an interesting mix of old ruins and modern charm. It’s the site of ancient temples and also has a cat sanctuary. It’s a unique place to visit, just a short walk from the prison.
- Galleria Doria Pamphilj – A few minutes away, you’ll find this hidden gem. The Galleria Doria Pamphilj (see entry ticket here) is a beautiful palace that houses an amazing private art collection, with works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Velázquez. It’s a quieter, less crowded place to admire art.
- Circus Maximus – Although a bit farther, the Circus Maximus is still within walking distance. This large park was once the site of chariot races in ancient Rome. Today, it’s a great spot for a leisurely walk and a look back into history.
With so many great places near the Mamertine Prison, your visit can easily turn into a full day of exploring, letting you experience Rome's rich history and culture just steps away.
FAQs
Who built the Mamertine prison?
Although legend has it that the spring inside the Mamertine Prison miraculously appeared due to St Peter or St Paul’s presence, this is probably not true. The spring existed prior to the prison. It is understood that the structure began to be built in around 640 BC, by and is understood to have been constructed in 640–616 BC, by Ancus Marcius, the fourth King of ancient Rome. It was then later converted to a prison.
When was Mamertine Prison built?
It is understood that the structure began to be built in around 640 BC, by and is understood to have been constructed in 640–616 BC, by Ancus Marcius, the fourth King of ancient Rome. It was then later converted to a prison.
Who was held prisoner in Mamertine prison?
The prison was known as a place to house more famous prisoners. Alongside a long list of kings and rulers who fell out of favour, St Paul and St Peter are rumoured to have been held here. It is claimed that some of the Biblical books were written within the cells.
Was Paul in the Mamertine prison?
Yes, it is rumoured that St Paul of Tarsus was indeed held in the Mamertine Prison. This was prior to his execution by Emperor Nero in 68 AD.
Conclusion
Mamertine Prison often gets poor reviews – largely due to its size and the fact that 11 euros entry fee is perceived to be too much. However, if you understand the full back story to these cells, and the fact that St Peter was said to have been here…
Then we think the 11 euros for this slice of ancient and Biblical history is worth it, if you are interested in this area. If you want to check it out, get your tickets here and then head on over to the Capitolini Museums after.
Fanny, an ardent admirer of ancient history and architecture, has been fascinated by the Colosseum since her first visit to Rome in 2012. As a key contributor to the Visit Colosseum Rome blog, she brings her passion for the Roman Empire’s monumental legacy to every article and guide.
It looks like something we would love to visit, but why can’t we get tickets for November 2021? Nothing is available after the end of Oct 2021.
Hi Alf,
It depends of the period indeed.
I just double check here and there is a lot of place in december for example…but not much in january 2022.
When we went, it also said online (prior to our travels) that nothing (no tickets) were available; however, when we went there, we got right in with no problem at all.
We went here and are glad we did. It is as important a place to visit in my opinion. Actually being where Paul and Peter were imprisoned before their deaths for their faith makes the Bible more alive.