Sepolcro di Priscilla: Ancient Roman Tomb

The Sepolcro di Priscilla is a captivating historical site situated along the ancient Via Appia Antica in Rome. This monumental tomb was erected in the 1st century AD by Titus Flavius Abascanto, a freedman of Emperor Domitian, to honor his wife, Priscilla. The tomb's design features a quadrangular base, originally covered with travertine blocks, and two superimposed cylindrical towers. The upper tower once held 13 niches intended for statues of the deceased. Over the centuries, the Sepolcro di Priscilla has undergone several transformations. In the 11th century, it was repurposed as a fortress, later belonging to the counts of Tusculum and the Caetani family. In modern times, the site housed two farmhouses, one of which was known as the "Tavern of Acquataccio," and the burial chamber was even used for aging cheeses. Today, visitors can explore the remains of this ancient tomb, including the funerary cell covered by a barrel vault, accessible through a corridor from the basement of an adjacent house. The cell, once lined with travertine blocks, features three niches that would have held sarcophagi. Although partially hidden by medieval buildings, the Sepolcro di Priscilla offers a glimpse into Roman funerary customs and the architectural styles of the era.