Medieval walls and Roman structures unearthed at Rome's Piazza San Giovanni

During Jubilee 2025 renovation works at Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome, archaeological excavations have uncovered wall structures dating from the 9th to the 13th century AD, possibly linked to the Patriarchio—the original patriarchal basilica built by Constantine in the 4th century AD and later expanded as the papal residence until the Avignon papacy (1305). The discovered wall, made of large tuff blocks reused from earlier structures, likely served both defensive and terracing functions. It was demolished after the popes returned to Rome and moved to the Vatican. Other findings include a terracing wall from the 1st century BC–1st century AD, imposing Severan-age foundations possibly related to the Castra Nova equitum singularium, two parallel brick walls from a hypogean structure, and a wall section dated between the 4th and 7th centuries AD. Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano praised the discoveries as evidence of Rome's inexhaustible archaeological wealth.