Tombs of Via Latina

The Tombs of Via Latina is an archaeological site containing Roman burial chambers arranged along an ancient Roman road in Rome. Three main tombs survive here, known as Barberini, Valerii, and Pancrazi, with the first two featuring visible above-ground structures and underground burial spaces.

Lorenzo Fortunati discovered these burial structures in 1857, which prompted excavations supported by Pope Pius IX. The Italian state acquired the site in 1879, ensuring its protection and preservation.

The Valerii burial chamber displays 35 white stucco medallions portraying Dionysian figures that show how Romans decorated their tombs. The underground spaces contain mythological frescoes and mosaics that reflect the religious beliefs of those who built these structures.

The original basalt road surface remains partly walkable, allowing visitors to stroll through the ancient site. Access to the underground chambers requires a guided tour, while the above-ground structures can be explored freely.

The Barberini tomb displays a distinctive two-story construction using red and yellow laterite stone, a detail many visitors overlook. This color combination and the second-century craftsmanship make it visually distinct from other Roman burial structures in the region.