Porta Maggiore Basilica
Ancient Roman civic basilica in Rome
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Discovery
The basilica is 12 m (40 ft) below the street level. The underground chamber was discovered accidentally in 1917 during the construction of a railway line from Rome to Cassino. An underground passage caved in, revealing the hidden chamber.
The structure is thought to have been constructed by the Statilius family. The head of the family Titus Statilius Taurus was accused by the Senate for what Tacitus in his Annals calls "addiction to magical superstitions". Taurus protested his innocence but eventually committed suicide in 53 CE.
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Architecture
The basilica has three naves lined by six rock pillars and an apse. They are decorated with stucco images of centaurs, griffins and satyrs. Classical heroes such as Achilles, Orpheus, Paris and Hercules are also represented.
Originally the basilica was entered through a long downhill entrance from the Prenestina Street, and through a vestibule.
Opening
The basilica underwent several years of restoration work. In 1951, a concrete shell was constructed that enclosed the entire basilica. Air purifiers from IQAir in Switzerland have been installed to combat radon gas.
The 40 ft-long basilica is now opened to visitors. The visiting groups are kept small because of the fragility of the monument. The temperature and humidity is kept within a narrow range. It is open during 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, and the tour is prearranged.