The Park of the Tombs of Via Latina is a major funerary complex on the outskirts of Rome, preserving the landscape of the ancient Roman countryside. Established in 1879 following the excavations of Lorenzo Fortunati, the park covers approximately two hectares and contains a well-preserved stretch of the Via Latina, an important road that connected Rome to Capua. The area holds significant funerary monuments spanning from the Republican period to the early Middle Ages, with tombs dating primarily to the 1st and 2nd centuries CE. These structures, adorned with frescoes, stucco work, and mosaic floors, provide valuable insights into Roman burial practices and artistic traditions.

Among the most notable tombs is the Sepolcro dei Corneli, or Barberini Tomb, a two-story monument with a hypogeum featuring frescoed vaults and stucco decorations. The Sepulchre of the Valerii (c. 160–170 CE) is distinguished by its elaborate white stucco medallions depicting Dionysian themes, while the Sepulchre of the Pancrazi (late 1st century CE) is renowned for its vividly colored frescoes and well-preserved mosaics. In addition to these tombs, the site also contains the remains of a Roman villa from the 1st–4th centuries CE, as well as a basilica dedicated to St. Stephen, which became a medieval pilgrimage site.

circa 100-200 CE

Basalt Paving of Via Latina
The Via Latina, one of the oldest and most important Roman roads, retains significant sections of its original basalt paving, offering a well-preserved example of ancient Roman road construction. The road was built using large, irregularly shaped basalt blocks, tightly fitted together to create a durable and resilient surface capable of withstanding heavy traffic over centuries. This type of construction, known as via munita, was typical of major Roman roads and facilitated efficient travel for military, commercial, and civilian use. The surviving stretches of basalt paving along the Via Latina, particularly within the archaeological park, display the characteristic convex shape designed to allow water drainage toward the road’s edges. The wear patterns (inspect) on the stones, caused by centuries of foot and cart traffic, highlight the extensive use of this route. These well-preserved sections of the Via Latina provide valuable insight into Roman engineering techniques and the infrastructure that supported the empire’s expansion and connectivity.

circa 100-200 CE

Roman Tombs
The Roman Tombs of Via Latina represent a remarkable collection of well-preserved funerary monuments dating primarily to the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. Located along a stretch of the ancient Via Latina, these tombs exemplify the architectural and decorative diversity of Roman sepulchral practices. Among the most significant are the Tomb of the Valerii and the Tomb of the Pancratii, both featuring elaborate underground chambers adorned with stucco decorations and frescoes depicting mythological and funerary themes. The Tomb of the Barberini, another prominent structure, showcases a two-story brick design with intricate ornamental elements. Many of these tombs incorporate both hypogeal (subterranean) and epigeal (above-ground) structures, reflecting the social status and artistic patronage of their occupants. The architectural styles range from simple brick facades to highly sophisticated designs featuring engaged columns, pediments, and decorative niches. Despite centuries of exposure and occasional structural collapses, the tombs retain significant elements of their original construction, providing valuable insights into Roman burial customs, religious beliefs, and artistic traditions.

circa 100-200 CE

Villa of Demetrias and Basilica of Saint Stephen
Behind the Tomb of the Pancrazi, extending away from the Via Latina, lies the site of the Villa of Demetriade, which was originally excavated by Lorenzo Fortunati before being reburied. In 1964, part of the villa was destroyed during the construction of a football field. The structure was built on a series of terraced levels, though today only a few remains survive, including the walls of a large cistern. Numerous artifacts, such as fragments of stucco and statues, have been recovered from the site and are now housed in the Vatican Museums. The villa itself dates back to the 1st–2nd century CE and underwent several renovations over time. By the mid-5th century CE, the owner of the Demetriade estate, in agreement with Pope Urban IV, constructed the Basilica of Santo Stefano Protomartyr, converting the villa into a place of Christian worship. Some remnants of the basilica still exist at the center of the villa complex, including the baptistery, the apse behind the altar, an underground chamber beneath the altar, and portions of Corinthian columns that once supported the three naves. Presently, the site can be viewed from Via di Demetriade, outside the boundaries of the park.

circa 100-200 CE

Inn (Mansio)
South-east of the tomb of the Valerii, a series of structures have been excavated, which likely continued to function as a rest and refreshment station for travelers well into the 4th century CE. These remains have been identified as a mansio, a waystation where travelers approaching Rome could recuperate, avail themselves of bathing facilities, and obtain sustenance, thereby ensuring they arrived in the city in a presentable state.

At the entrance from the road, the foundations of two columns are visible, which likely once supported statues. Additionally, the original paving of the road leading into the mansio complex has been preserved, forming a sort of driveway that facilitated access to the station.

The architectural layout of the complex suggests a central peristyle, around which the rooms were arranged. At the core of this courtyard, a relatively large pool (inspect) was constructed, serving as a focal point. This pool is resembles the so-called "pelte fountain" at the Domus Augustana. At the termination of a mosaic-paved portico that enclosed the complex behind the tomb, a nymphaeum with an elaborate mosaic floor was installed. The presence of two cisterns, positioned adjacent to and behind the funerary monument, suggests an advanced water management system designed to supply both the pool and the nymphaeum with a steady flow of water.

Archaeological excavations conducted between 2006 and 2007 uncovered additional sections of the mansio, particularly on its eastern side. This included three rooms constructed of brick, which were likely used as tabernae, providing goods or services to travelers. Moreover, two distinct structures, separated from the main mansio complex by a corridor accessible from the road, were also identified. One of these buildings was constructed using opus reticulatum, while the other featured a combination of brickwork and tuff blocks. The precise function of these auxiliary structures remains a subject of ongoing investigation.

The placement of the mansio in direct proximity to the funerary monument should not be considered anomalous. It is plausible that the proprietors of the waystation had granted the use of their land for the construction of the tomb and, in return, assumed responsibility for its upkeep. This symbiotic relationship between commercial and commemorative functions reflects broader patterns of land use and patronage in the Roman world.