Rome – Just months before the opening of the 2025 Jubilee, an urban redevelopment project in the Eternal City has led to a major archaeological discovery.
Indeed, excavations on Piazza Pia, between Castel Sant'Angelo and the Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter's Square, have uncovered the remains of a massive laundry facility dating back to ancient Roman times.
This "fullonica," as such establishments were called in that era, spans over 500 square meters. Its stone basins are remarkably well-preserved, adorned with beautiful floor mosaics. Interestingly, this archaeological site is located directly opposite the buildings housing the studios of Vatican Radio and the Vatican News information portal.
A Preserved Ancient Treasure
Despite the historical and heritage importance of this discovery, Vatican authorities have assured that preparatory work for the Jubilee will not be interrupted. The entire ancient laundry facility will be relocated and reinstalled in the nearby gardens of Castel Sant'Angelo, to be accessible to pilgrims and visitors.
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"It is an incredible opportunity to be able to preserve this piece of Roman history, just steps from the holy sites of Christendom," rejoiced Father Enzo Bianchi, head of archaeological heritage for the Holy See.
"The faithful will be able to admire these remains and recall the humble origins of Christianity, born in ancient Rome."
The Vatican indeed plans to create a dedicated visitor path around this Roman fullonica, with explanatory panels and 3D reconstructions. An ideal way to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of imperial Rome, while meditating on the enduring nature of the Gospel message from those distant times.