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Mitreo: Echoes of Mithras in Santa Maria Capua Vetere

Discover the ancient mysteries of the Mithras cult in this fascinating subterranean temple near the historic amphitheater of Capua.

The Mitreo in Santa Maria Capua Vetere is a fascinating subterranean sanctuary dedicated to the god Mithras, dating back to the 2nd century AD. Discovered in 1922, this well-preserved site features vibrant frescoes depicting Mithraic rituals, including the iconic tauroctony (bull-slaying) scene, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient mystery cult that thrived in this region of Italy.

A brief summary to Mitreo

  • Via Roberto d'Angiò, 48, Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Province of Caserta, 81055, IT
Eve
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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mitreo.

  • Book your visit in advance, as access to the Mitreo is limited to small groups and requires a reservation.
  • Combine your visit to the Mitreo with a trip to the nearby Campanian Amphitheater and Archaeological Museum to explore the rich history of ancient Capua.
  • Note that the Mitreo is located underground, so dress accordingly and be prepared for cooler temperatures.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mitreo is located at Via Roberto d'Angiò, 48, in Santa Maria Capua Vetere. From the Anfiteatro Campano, walk southwest on Via Francesco Daniele towards Piazza I Ottobre. Turn right onto Piazza I Ottobre, then turn left onto Via Roberto d'Angiò. The Mitreo will be on your left, approximately a 5-minute walk. There are no tolls or parking fees associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the Santa Maria Capua Vetere train station, take bus route 01-CE towards Caserta. Alight at the 'S. Maria Capua V. - Via A. Righi' stop, which is a 5 minute walk from the Mitreo. The Mitreo is located at Via Roberto d'Angiò, 48. Walk south on Via Andrea Righi, then turn left onto Via Roberto d'Angiò. The Mitreo will be on your right. A single bus fare costs approximately €1-3. Alternatively, take a train from Caserta to S. Maria Capua Vetere for €1-4.

  • Taxi

    From the center of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, a taxi to the Mitreo will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. The journey typically takes 5-10 minutes. Taxis are readily available in the main squares or can be booked in advance.

Discover more about Mitreo

Located in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, near the ancient Capua amphitheater, the Mitreo is one of the most important Mithraic sites in the world. This underground chamber, dating back to the 2nd century AD, served as a place of worship for the followers of Mithras, a deity of Indo-Persian origin whose cult spread throughout the Roman Empire.The Mitreo was discovered in 1922 during the construction of a building. The subterranean structure consists of a rectangular room with a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Benches line the sides of the chamber, where initiates would have participated in ritual meals and ceremonies. The walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting scenes from the Mithraic mysteries, offering valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of this ancient cult.The most prominent fresco depicts the tauroctony, the iconic image of Mithras slaying a bull. This central image is surrounded by other figures, including the sun, moon, and two torchbearers, Cautes and Cautopates. The frescoes also depict scenes of initiation rites, offering a glimpse into the experiences of those who joined the Mithraic cult. The frescoes are dated to the 2nd century BC.Visits are allowed only by prior reservation, in groups of up to five visitors.

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