The Archaeological Park of the Caelian Hill (Parco Archeologico del Celio), or the Celio Archaeological Park, is a public archaeological park in the north-western sector of the Caelian Hill (Celio). The park exhibits a number of important historical structures, archaeological remains, museums and public spaces. It has been a "public park", since at least 1835 CE when Pope Gregory XVI decided to transform into a public promenade. At the time a garden, known as Orto Botanico, occupied the space which had developed on the large artificial terrace formed by the landfill.
Over the centuries, the area has undergone various transformations, from its acquisition by the Cornovaglia family in the 16th century, turning it into a vineyard, to the Napoleonic era, when earth from excavations at the Colosseum and Roman Forum was deposited here. In 1835, Pope Gregory XVI established the park as a public promenade, with architect Gaspare Salvi designing pathways and the Casina del Salvi as a refreshment point. The park became part of Rome's municipal heritage in 1847 under Pope Pius IX. Later additions included the Ex Antiquarium Comunale in the northern part of the park and the ex Palestra della Gioventù Italiana del Littorio in the south. The park, now split by Viale del Parco del Celio, was made publicly accessible through the efforts of the Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage. It houses various archaeological, architectural, and epigraphic artefacts, organized by thematic areas that illustrate aspects of ancient Roman life. Notable displays include fragments of the Forma Urbis Romae in the Museo della Forma Urbis. The ongoing redevelopment of the area will further enhance the visitor experience with more public access and exhibits.
circa 150 BCE
Tomb of Galba
The tomb of Galba was identified because of the inscription (inspect). It belongs to Servius Sulpicius Galba, who was the Roman consul in 144 BCE. The mausoleum structure was constructed out of tuffa stone with a travertine block bearing an inscription identifying the owner of the tomb.
circa 54 CE
Temple of Divine Claudius
The remains of Temple of Claudius (illustration) on the Caelian Hill represent one of the most significant yet fragmentary monuments of Imperial Rome. Constructed by Emperor Nero to honor his predecessor Claudius, who was deified after his death in 54 CE, the temple was an imposing structure. Nero began its construction shortly after Claudius' death, but later abandoned it during his reign. It was eventually completed by Emperor Vespasian after Nero's death, as part of the Flavian dynasty's efforts to associate themselves with the Julio-Claudian lineage.
The temple complex occupied a vast area on the northwestern slope of the Caelian Hill, overlooking the Colosseum. Its monumental terrace was supported by large substructures, parts of which remain visible today. These substructures, also referred to as the Caves of the Temple of Claudius (Cave del Tempio di Claudio), consist of vaulted chambers and retaining walls, showcasing sophisticated Roman engineering techniques.
The site underwent significant transformations over time. During the Middle Ages, the area was repurposed, and parts of the substructures were incorporated into other constructions. Later, in the 16th century, it was turned into vineyards by the Cornovaglia family. In the Napoleonic era, excavated earth from nearby sites, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, was deposited here. Despite these changes, the remains of the temple are a central feature of the Archaeological Park of the Caelian Hill, emphasizing the site's historical and cultural importance.
circa 100-400 CE
Roman Period Houses
The Caelian Hill preserves the remains of several Roman-period houses that offer valuable insights into the architectural and social life of ancient Rome. These houses reflect a range of styles, from modest dwellings to luxurious domus, showcasing the diversity of urban residential architecture during the Roman Empire. These houses, often discovered beneath later constructions, highlight the Caelian Hill's status as a prestigious residential area during the Roman period. They reflect both the architectural innovations of the time and the layered history of urban transformation in Rome. Many of these remains are part of the Archaeological Park of the Caelian Hill, where ongoing studies and conservation efforts continue to shed light on their significance.
circa 203-211 CE
Museum of the Forma Urbis Romae
The Museum of the Forma Urbis Romae, situated on the Caelian Hill in Rome, is a specialized institution dedicated to the study, preservation, and presentation of the Forma Urbis Romae, the monumental marble plan of ancient Rome. This museum, located within the building of the former Palestra della Gioventù Italiana del Littorio, serves as the centerpiece of the archaeological park in the northwestern sector of the Caelian Hill.
The museum houses numerous fragments of the Forma Urbis, originally engraved between 203 and 211 CE during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. These marble slabs, meticulously carved to depict Rome’s urban layout, provide invaluable insights into the city’s architecture, infrastructure, and topography during the Severan period. The museum's layout and exhibitions are designed to contextualize these fragments within the broader framework of Roman urbanism, utilizing advanced digital technologies and traditional archaeological methods to piece together and interpret this extraordinary artifact.
circa 1835 CE
Casina Salvi
The Casina del Salvi was constructed in 1835 as part of the redevelopment of the park under the direction of architect Gaspare Salvi. It was designed to serve as a refreshment point and was inspired by the "coffee-house" designed by Giuseppe Valadier on the Pincio.
Undated / Modern
Lapidarium
The lapidarium of the Parco Archeologico del Celio exhibits a large number of assorted fragments of various architectural elements.
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