Triclinium Leoninum

The Triclinium Leoninum is an archaeological site in Rome showing the remains of a medieval dining hall with brick walls and an apse. The space featured elaborate mosaics and contained several niches along its interior walls.

The dining hall was built in the early 9th century under Pope Leo III as part of the Lateran Palace complex. The original structure was later destroyed but reconstructed in the 18th century based on earlier designs.

The apse mosaics show Christ handing keys to Peter and represent the connection between religious and secular authority. This visual message shaped how people understood the relationship between the Church and imperial power in medieval times.

The site is located near San Giovanni in Laterano Cathedral and is accessible on foot but lies beneath modern street levels. Visiting may require special arrangements or have limited access depending on the current condition and opening policies of the site.

The mosaics visible today are not original medieval works but reproductions created in the 18th century by a noted artist. This reconstruction reveals how later generations attempted to preserve and reinterpret the medieval heritage of the site.

Location: Rome

Part of: Lateran

GPS coordinates: 41.88700,12.50725

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:55