STARTT's 'micro-architectures' reveal hidden Basilica of Neptune ruins behind Rome's Pantheon

The Italian architecture firm STARTT has reimagined the previously inaccessible archaeological site behind Rome's Pantheon, creating a public exhibition venue named Beyond the Pantheon, a project launched by the Italian Ministry of Culture. This initiative links the Pantheon’s rotunda to the apse of the Basilica of Neptune, deepening visitors' appreciation of the area's historical urban layout. STARTT incorporated 'micro-architectures' made of steel and stone for essential facilities such as a lift and restrooms, allowing the area to remain free from visible technical systems. Accessed through the Devil's Moat entrance, the pathway starts at the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres, showcasing new structures covered in mottled bluish-black steel panels. A staircase and lift provide access to multimedia exhibits, utilizing the ancient basilica ruins. The image was captured by Alessandro Penso.