Mamertine Prison

We came just to see where Apostles Peter and Paul were imprisoned shortly before being martyred, but found a bit more. If you are not interested in religious history you may not find it worth the price or worth the stop. As for us it was enlightening to see the Tullianum and imagine what it would have been like to be held in this dark, damp cellar for so long. I wonder how many guards began to believe in Jesus because you know the Apostles still preached about him.

Set your expectations low, This prison is interesting to see and envision how Paul and Peter felt awaiting their impending death. Envisioning Paul writing letters of encouragement to fellow believers including his second letter to Timothy. Overall there is not much else to see here. Going down to the prison area and seeing a few replicas of the time is all that you will see.

We came here about 10 years ago and again last December, with our children this time. The visual tour on screen is no longer available, but the audio tour still is if I recall correctly. Worth a visit. Especially for pelgrims. It is strange to be in this place, thinking of the prisoners, including the apostle Peter, who lived there in miserable conditions until their punishment. Thank you for the experience.

Many historical figures got locked up and executed here. Once the door shut, there's only little air and no light. Paul and Peter were held here before being martyred. Paul imprisoned twice, the second one was here. 2Timothy Paul's final letter was believed to be written in this prison or before he was sent here during his time under house arrest in Rome.

Great historical place but the mark where he “supposedly” hit his head is a lie. There is no historical verification. €10 is very expensive for what can be seen

Before I say anything else, I don't want to take away from the significance of this place, and how amazing it was to physically see where both Paul and Peter were imprisoned at one point. That is truly an invaluable experience. Anyway, it costs 10€ to enter. We did an option with a multimedia guide where they give you a tablet. There was one section that it was beneficial, but the rest it didn't really add much value. The top floor which is really like a museum, did not have much in terms of artifacts or information, but it was a nice introduction to start to grasp what the building was. We walking down to the prison area... There is only a small catwalk that you can stand on. I wish there was seating/more room so that you could meditate/pray down there. We spent a little bit of time down there without disruption which was nice, but I think that was out of luck that the museum wasn't crazy busy. In conclusion, I would say worth the trip if you want to see/feel a meaningful place for the Christian faith.

It was wonderful to experience the place where St. Peter and St. Paul were held in prison before their executions. And where portions of Holy Scriptures were penned. It was a divine appointment and I am blessed. Don’t miss this experience. The museum has much to offer as well. Must see for Christians visiting Roma.

It is a small place, however full of history. St. Peter was imprisoned here and there is a small church on the top floor. Church is free to visit, the prison was 10 Euro.

This prison with dungeon was well known for condemning to death high profile prisoners. Many historical figures got punished by starvation, strangulation, or beheading. Once the door shut, there's only little air and no light. Paul and Peter were held here before being martyred. Paul imprisoned twice, the second one was here. 2Timothy Paul's final letter was believed to be written in this prison.

While roaming around Rome ;) and exploring the area near the Roman Forum (on 10/03/2023), we (my hubby and I) stumbled upon this beautiful old building that had religious murals painted on the outside and had black prison bars going all along the lower level of the building. (see the pics posted w/ this review) There also was an inscription on the front of the building that said "Prigione Dei SS Apostoli Pietro E Paulo" and "MAMERTINUM". Not knowing what this inscription meant...I did what any smart person would do and googled it. ;) It turns out that this was Rome's oldest prison from the 7th century BC, called The Mamertine Prison (Carcere Mamertino in Italian) and is said to have held Saint Peter and Saint Paul as prisoners here! How awesome is that?! (Stumbling across the ancient prison/rich history part, not the saints being prisoners part) Additional helpful tidbits: - - - You can buy tickets to go inside & tour this ancient prison. - - - It's located on Capitoline Hill, next to the Roman Forum. To sum it up...YES, you should definitely add a visit to check out this ancient Rome prison! Till next time, Rebecca visiting from Austin, Texas (United States)

In a city filled with egos it was a nice change of pace to see where Peter and Paul were incarcerated and what they endured for their religious beliefs. Very informative and friendly staff.