Jubilee 2025: medieval wall discovered in Saint John Lateran in Rome

Urban planning works in the Italian capital in preparation for the Jubilee of Hope 2025 continue to reveal historical vestiges that have remained hidden underground for centuries.

This is the case of a laundry from Ancient Rome from the 2nd century or the remains of a property of Emperor Caligula, both discovered in recent months very close to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

For months Rome has been immersed in numerous urban planning works as part of a complex project to be able to receive millions of pilgrims from all over the world next year.

On this occasion, excavations have unearthed at the foot of the imposing basilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome, a medieval defensive structure from the 11th and 13th centuries AD

It is worth remembering that for more than a thousand years, the Lateran Palace was the papal seat and official residence of the Pontiff until 1305, when it was moved to Avignon.

The remains discovered would have formed part of a wall built with blocks of tufa (limestone) to defend the residence of the Pontiff, and this would have been remodeled on several occasions.

According to the Italian newspaper Future, This wall protected the basilica and the palaces in an era marked by fights between aristocratic families who sought to access the throne of Peter and also by the invasions of the Saracens.

With the return of the popes to Rome, it was no longer necessary to defend the place and soon the wall was demolished and buried. Until now.

Archaeological investigations in San Juan de Letrán are carried out under the scientific direction of the Special Superintendence of Rome, directed by Daniela Porro.