Archaeological Area of the Tomb of the Scipios | Turismo Roma
Live Rome, discover Rome
Tourist services and cultural offer
+39060608
Your tailor-made trip

Social Block

You are here

Archaeological Area of the Tomb of the Scipios

Area Archeologica del Sepolcro degli Scipioni

The archaeological area of the Tomb of the Scipios is located along the urban stretch of the ancient Via Appia, within the Aurelian Walls, before the city gate, Porta S. Sebastiano. It is an extraordinarily interesting monument since many of the members of one of the most illustrious of Rome’s families were buried here, among whom Scipio Africanus (the victor over Hannibal) and Scipio Aemilianus (who destroyed Carthage).

Although the first references to findings date back to 1614, discovery in the true sense can be dated to 1780, when two priest brothers of the Sassi family, who owned the vineyard above the tomb, discovered an entrance while doing extension work on a cellar. Although, at that time, all engraved and figurative works were transferred to the Vatican Museums, the tomb became a stable attraction for the many scholars, and others, who came to Rome during their Grand Tour.

The construction of this archaeological area took place in the vicinity of the Via Appia, the road inaugurated in 312 BC for the purpose of facilitating and sustaining Rome’s domination over Southern Italy. It is fitting, given the history of the Scipios (as one of the families most open to Hellenistic cultural influences), that they should decide to place their tomb near the new Consular road – a road embodying the political idea of expansion toward the world of Greater Greece, or Magna Graecia.

The plan of the structure is quadrangular. The work featured a monumental entrance (which has since practically entirely disappeared). Inside, six galleries were dug into the tufa, and the sarcophagi were arranged along the walls or in niches. The sarcophagi all include inscriptions regarding the personages and their deeds. The first Scipio to be buried here was the family’s founder, Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, who was a consul in 298 BC. His original sarcophagus is at the Vatican Museums.

Photo: Redazione Turismo Roma

You may also be interested in

The Appian Way

Via Appia Antica
The Appian Way
Monuments
Share Condividi

Information

Address 
POINT (12.4986702 41.8775933)
Timetables 

Admission to the monument is allowed to groups and associations, with their own guide, who must make a reservation at 060608 (daily, 9.00 - 19.00).
Maximum 12 people per visit.

For individual visitors, who must also make a reservation at 060608, individual visits are also possible according to a schedule specified on the page > Monumenti del territorio

Disable visitors can access only the tomb, but not the columbarium.

Protective helmets available at the site are recommended for the visit.

Contacts 
Email: 
info@060608.it
Telephone booking: 
060608 tutti i giorni ore 9.00-19.00
Web site: 
www.sovraintendenzaroma.it/i_luoghi/roma_antica/monumenti/sepolcro_degli_scipioni
Services 
Accessibile ai disabili
Parzialmente accessibile ai disabili
Servizi igienici per disabili
Accessibility: services available 
Type of accessibility 
Accessible service
Type of accessibility 
Accessible service
Type of accessibility 
Accessible service
Type of accessibility 
Accessible service
Type of accessibility 
Partially accessible service
Parzialmente
Partially
Parcialmente
Type of accessibility 
Partially accessible service
In fase di realizzazione
Under construction
En curso de realización
Share Condividi

Location

Area Archeologica del Sepolcro degli Scipioni, Via di Porta San Sebastiano, 9
Via di Porta San Sebastiano, 9
41° 52' 39.3348" N, 12° 29' 55.212" E

 

To find out about all accessibility services, visit the Rome accessible section.

Media gallery

Node Json Map Block

Interactive map

Choose events and services nearby