Tickets to Mamertine Prison

Known from the Middle Ages as Mamertine Prison, this attraction is Rome’s oldest prison. Originally known as Carcer Tulliamum, this prison for several centuries had a maximum-security penitentiary for enemies of Rome awaiting execution. It is a well-known fact that those who entered this prison never survived.

Stroll through the prison where enemies like Jugurtha, the King of Numidia, and Vercingetorix, the King of Gauls were defeated by Julius Caeser, lived their final days. Learn about all the interesting facts and stories through your virtual audio guide. Immerse yourself in the place where the followers of Catiline met their end and where it was thought that Apostles Peter and Paul and several other Christian martyrs lived out their final days.

Tickets to Mamertine Prison

Discover Rome’s oldest prison, the Mamertine Prison, on this guided tour that includes a virtual audio guide in six languages and access to one of the city's most historically significant landmarks. This tour covers the Carcer Tullianum, which has been operational since 640 BCE, and spans an area of approximately 25 square meters. You will explore two main sections: the lower prison, known as the Tullianum, built around 187 BCE, and the upper prison, constructed in the Republican period. Highlights include visiting the cell where King Jugurtha was imprisoned by Julius Caesar in 104 BCE and learning about the Christian martyrs who were held here during the Roman persecutions of the 3rd century CE. The tour lasts approximately two hours, providing visitors with a deep dive into ancient Roman history and its impact on subsequent centuries.

Explore Mamertine Prison

Your tour stops at the Mamertine Prison where you will see the Carcer Tullianum, Rome’s oldest prison built around 640 BCE. The prison consists of two chambers: an underground cell known as the Tullianum and a larger upper chamber that served as a detention area for high-profile prisoners. Visitors can explore the lower prison, measuring approximately 12 square meters, where enemies such as King Jugurtha of Numidia were held captive from 104 BCE until his death in 101 BCE. The upper prison spans about 13 square meters and was used to hold other notable captives like Vercingetorix, the leader of the Gallic tribes who fought against Julius Caesar. Guests can spend around 20 minutes at each section, learning about the historical significance of this site through a virtual audio guide available in six languages—English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and Russian. The prison's unique feature is its dual-level structure, with the Tullianum serving as a water-filled dungeon beneath the upper prison cell block. This contrasts sharply with modern prisons, making it stand out as one of the most historically important sites in Rome.

Visit Mamertine Prison

Your tour continues at the Mamertine Prison where you will delve into the historical significance of this ancient Roman site built around 640 BCE. The prison is divided into two main sections: the Tullianum, an underground cell measuring approximately 12 square meters, and a larger upper chamber spanning about 13 square meters. Visitors can spend around 20 minutes at each section, learning about key historical events such as the imprisonment of King Jugurtha from 104 BCE until his death in 101 BCE and the detention of Vercingetorix during the Gallic Wars. The virtual audio guide available in six languages—English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and Russian—provides detailed information about each section's history and significance. This prison stands out due to its dual-level structure and historical importance, making it a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Roman history.

Tour Highlights

• Discover Rome’s oldest prison at Mamertine Prison
• 2-hour tour with virtual audio guide access
• Audio guide available in six languages—English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and Russian
• Explore the Tullianum built around 640 BCE measuring approximately 12 square meters
• Learn about King Jugurtha’s imprisonment from 104 BCE until his death in 101 BCE
• Discover Vercingetorix's detention during the Gallic Wars
• Access to upper prison cell block spanning about 13 square meters
• Experience historical contrasts between ancient and modern prisons

Perfect for history enthusiasts, travelers interested in Roman antiquities, and those seeking a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich past, this guided tour provides an immersive experience through the city's most historically significant landmarks. The two-hour format allows you to explore the Carcer Tullianum, learn about King Jugurtha’s imprisonment, discover Vercingetorix's detention, and understand the unique dual-level structure of the prison, giving you a comprehensive view of ancient Rome.