Mitreo Barberini Reopens in Rome with Free Guided Tours

The Mitreo Barberini, a well-preserved ancient sanctuary dedicated to the god Mithras, reopens to the public in Rome after a forced closure. Discovered in 1936 during construction work beneath Palazzo Barberini, the mithraeum is located in the basement of the nearby Palazzina Savorgnan di Brazzà. Its structure dates to the 2nd century AD. The site will be accessible on September 12 and 16, 2021, when the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma will offer free guided tours by reservation. Daniela Porro, Soprintendente Speciale di Roma, expressed joy at reopening the monument, noting the tours will be led by archaeologist Simona Morretta, who will explain the site and its frescoes. The mithraeum features a Tauroctony fresco depicting Mithras slaying a bull, flanked by Cautes and Cautopates, with a celestial vault showing zodiac signs and ten panels narrating Mithras's deeds. The cult of Mithras was practiced from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD in Hindu, Persian, and Greco-Roman contexts, with Mithras assimilated to Apollo in Hellenistic culture and revered as a god of warriors in Roman mythology. The room measures about 12 x 6 meters, with a barrel vault and side benches.