Medieval papal palace unearthed in Rome during renovations
The remains of a palace that once served as a medieval residence for the popes have been discovered in Rome. The church leaders lived at the Lateran before moving to the Vatican. “Every stone tells us a story,” the Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sanguiliano, commented on the discovery.
12:17 PM EDT, July 18, 2024
While renovating the square around the Basilica of St. John Lateran in the center of Rome, a team of archaeologists uncovered an advanced hidden structure surrounded by walls.
Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of the medieval papal palace, which served as the office for successive popes long before the Vatican.
The new discoveries in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano are yet another demonstration of the richness of the territory of Rome, an inexhaustible mine of archaeological treasures, said Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sanguiliano, in a statement.
Discovery in Rome: The papal palace at the Lateran
Italian officials believe that the remains of the palace may date back to Emperor Constantine. According to his vision, the ruler began overseeing the construction of the building in the 4th century.
The palace was expanded and renovated multiple times during the medieval period and ultimately became the papal residence. Successive popes resided there until 1305. Then, the papal residence was temporarily moved to Avignon in southern France. In 1377, Pope Gregory XI moved the seat of the head of the Catholic Church back to Italy—this time to the Vatican.
Every single stone speaks to us and tells its story: thanks to these important discoveries, archaeologists will be able to learn more about our past. I would like to express my satisfaction for the commitment and passion that researchers are putting into their work, Sanguiliano concluded.
