Mausoleum of St. Helena – evening openings

This year, the Special Superintendency of Rome is once again promoting a series of special openings of the sites on via Casilina. The series, curated by site manager Rocco Bochicchio, includes free, no-reservation visits to the Mausoleum of Saint Helena and the adjacent Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter.

The Mausoleum of Saint Helena is one of those ancient Roman monuments whose remains are striking in their majesty: the wonderful porphyry sarcophagus of Saint Helena, now housed in the Vatican Museums, originates from here. It is exactly to this structure, nicknamed the "tower of Pignatte" in the Middle Ages, that the Tor Pignattara neighborhood owes its name. Inserted into the concrete at the base of the imposing dome to lighten the weight of the building, empty amphorae, popularly known as "pignatte", are still visible today.

The adjacent Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter, dating back to the 3rd-4th century AD, are located in an area crossed by the ancient via Labicana, today's via Casilina. The archaeological complex, known in sources as "ad duas lauros", also includes the basilica dedicated to the two saints, the Mausoleum of Helena, and the necropolis of the Equites Singulares, the emperor's personal guard. Excavated during Diocletian’s persecution, they are among the largest in Rome; the complex is spread over four levels, extends over 18,000 square meters, and it is estimated that it housed up to 15,000 burials. Guided tours by the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology begin at 7:00 PM with a standard ticket. To visit the Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter, reservations are recommended by writing to  santimarcellinoepietro@gmail.com

Photo: official website of the Special Superintendency of Rome