Mamertine Prison (Carcere Mamertino): Complete Visitor Guide
The Mamertine Prison (Carcere Mamertino) is an ancient underground prison at the foot of the Capitoline Hill in Rome, approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the Colosseum. One of the oldest buildings in Rome, its lower chamber (tullianum) dates to the 7th century BC. According to Christian tradition, Saints Peter and Paul were imprisoned here before their martyrdom. Entry requires a pre-booked ticket.
Hidden beneath the church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, the Mamertine Prison is one of Rome’s most overlooked and most atmospheric ancient sites. This underground dungeon held some of history’s most famous prisoners: Jugurtha, king of Numidia; Vercingetorix, the Gallic chieftain who defied Julius Caesar; and according to Christian tradition, Saints Peter and Paul in their final days before martyrdom.
The prison is small, dark, and genuinely ancient — an experience entirely different from the grand imperial monuments nearby. For visitors with an interest in Roman history or early Christianity, it is a compelling 30-minute addition to any Colosseum visit.
Top Tickets
The General Entry ticket lets you explore at your own pace, while the Guided Tour adds an expert guide to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Want to stand on the arena floor? Go for the Guided Tour + Arena. For the full experience including the underground hypogeum, the Arena + Underground is the one to book.
Table of Contents
History of the Mamertine Prison
The Mamertine Prison consists of two chambers. The upper chamber (carcer) was built in the 4th century BC as Rome’s primary detention facility. The lower chamber (tullianum), carved directly into the Capitoline rock, may date to the 7th century BC — potentially older than the Roman Republic itself. Distinguished prisoners were held here before execution.
The Two Chambers
The upper chamber (carcer) is a trapezoidal room with walls of large tufa blocks, substantially altered over centuries. The lower chamber (tullianum) is the more ancient and more affecting: a domed circular room carved from natural rock, originally accessible only through a hole in the ceiling — prisoners were lowered by rope. Today a narrow modern staircase allows visitor access.
Famous Prisoners
- Jugurtha of Numidia — Starved to death in 104 BC after being paraded in Marius’s triumph
- Vercingetorix — Held for six years before Julius Caesar’s triumph in 46 BC, after which he was strangled
- Simon bar Giora — Jewish leader executed in 70 AD after Vespasian’s triumph over Jerusalem
- Saints Peter and Paul — According to Catholic tradition, both were imprisoned here before their martyrdom under Emperor Nero (c. 64–68 AD)
The Christian Connection
The site has been venerated since at least the 7th century AD as the place of Peter and Paul’s final imprisonment. A spring in the lower chamber is said to have appeared miraculously when Peter baptised his prison guards. The site was converted into a church as early as the 6th century; the current church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami was built over it in 1542.
What to See Inside
The Upper Chamber
The upper chamber today forms the nave of the church above. Multimedia presentations explain the prison’s history. An iron grate in the floor allows a view of the lower chamber below.
The Lower Chamber (Tullianum)
The lower chamber is the authentic ancient space — circular, low-ceilinged, cold, and carved from natural Capitoline rock. Highlights include:
- The miraculous spring: A small pool marks where the spring is said to have appeared, venerated for over 1,400 years
- The original trapdoor opening: The hole in the ceiling through which prisoners were lowered is preserved
- The column of St Peter: A column to which Peter is traditionally said to have been chained
- Roman masonry: Original tufa and travertine walling from the Republican period is visible and labelled
How to Visit
Location & Getting There
Located at Via del Foro Romano 28, at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, directly opposite the Roman Forum — approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the Colosseum. See our guide to getting to the Colosseum area for transport options.
Tickets
Entry requires a pre-booked ticket — walk-up entry is possible but availability cannot be guaranteed in peak season. Adults pay approximately €6–€12 depending on the package. The Mamertine Prison is not included in any Colosseum ticket or the Forum Pass SUPER — it requires a separate booking.
Opening Hours & Duration
Generally open daily 9:00 am–7:00 pm (last entry 6:30 pm) in peak season, shorter hours in winter. A thorough visit takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
Combining with the Colosseum
We recommend visiting the Mamertine Prison after the Colosseum and Roman Forum — both to preserve energy for the larger sites and because the Mamertine provides a fitting, contemplative end to a day in antiquity. For a full suggested day itinerary, see our guide to Rome itineraries featuring the Colosseum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mamertine Prison the same as the Colosseum?
No. The Mamertine Prison is a separate ancient site approximately 10 minutes’ walk northwest of the Colosseum, at the foot of the Capitoline Hill. It is an underground prison, not an amphitheatre, and requires a separate ticket.
Did Saints Peter and Paul really get imprisoned here?
This is Catholic tradition rather than confirmed historical record. The tradition dates to at least the 7th century AD, and the site has been venerated for over 1,400 years. Historians note the accounts are not contemporaneous and that the specific identification of the Mamertine is a later tradition.
Is the Mamertine Prison included in the Colosseum ticket?
No. It requires a separate pre-booked ticket and is not included in any Colosseum ticket or the Forum Pass SUPER.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes — particularly if you are interested in Roman history or early Christianity, or want to experience an ancient site that feels genuinely unrestored. The lower chamber (tullianum) is one of the most atmospheric ancient spaces in Rome.
How far is it from the Colosseum?
Approximately 750 metres, or a 10–12 minute walk northwest along Via Sacra through the Roman Forum.
