San Nicola in Carcere

Hidden among the bustling streets of Rome, San Nicola in Carcere is a church that quietly guards centuries of history. At first glance, it may seem like just another beautiful Roman church, but beneath its floors lies a fascinating secret: it was built on the very foundations of three ancient Roman pagan temples.

Layers of History Beneath Your Feet

What sets San Nicola in Carcere apart is its unique blend of Christian and pagan heritage. As you stand inside, you can actually spot the columns from the original temples incorporated into the church’s outer walls—a remarkable testament to Rome’s habit of repurposing its past. But the real adventure begins underground.

Exploring the Ancient Temples

For a small fee, paid at a modest desk near the church entrance, visitors are invited to descend into the substructure beneath San Nicola in Carcere. Here, the centuries peel away as you explore the atmospheric ruins of three pagan temples, their ancient stone corridors echoing stories from long before Christianity took root in Rome. Wandering through these shadowy spaces, you can almost hear the footsteps of worshippers from two thousand years ago.