Columbarium of Pomponius Hylas, Ancient Roman columbarium in Via Latina, Italy
The Columbarium of Pomponius Hylas is a rectangular burial chamber in Rome with numerous niches arranged in rows along its walls. The space features colorful frescoes and detailed stucco decoration framing small compartments for cremated remains.
The monument was built during the reign of Emperors Tiberius and Claudius, roughly between 14 and 51 AD. It was rediscovered in 1831 by Marquis Pietro Campana, bringing this underground burial space back to light after nearly two thousand years.
The walls display images of Orpheus representing immortality through mosaics and paintings on the niches. These decorative choices show what mattered most to Rome's residents in their final rest.
Access requires advance booking through the 060608 service, with visits limited to small groups of no more than seven people at scheduled times. Plan ahead and make a reservation, as only groups this size can enter at once.
Above the entrance stairway sits a glass mosaic inscription displaying the names of Pomponius Hylas and his wife. This glazed mosaic has survived more than nineteen centuries and continues to mark where this couple found their final rest.
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