Mamertine Prison Carcer Tullianum Tickets with Audio Guide Rome
- Duration45 minutes
- Open onOn the dates available when booking
- Meeting pointThe Mamertine Prison entrance by the Roman Forum, at the foot of the Capitoline Hill
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
The Mamertine Prison, also called Carcer Tullianum, is Rome’s oldest prison and one of its most atmospheric sites, tucked at the foot of the Capitoline Hill beside the Roman Forum. This entry ticket, with a multilingual audio guide, takes you down into the stone chambers where enemies of Rome were held and where tradition says St Peter and St Paul were imprisoned. The visit is short and rich in stories, valid for one day, and suits history lovers and curious travellers. It is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Highlights
- Entry to Carcer Tullianum, Rome’s ancient state prison
- Audio guide included, in several languages
- The dark lower chamber where prisoners of Rome were held
- Stories of Jugurtha, Vercingetorix and the Catilinarian conspirators
- The place tradition links with St Peter and St Paul
- A short visit that fits neatly beside the Forum and the Capitoline Museums
Full Description
The Mamertine Prison (Carcer Tullianum)
The Mamertine Prison, or Carcer Tullianum, is a small but powerful site in the middle of ancient Rome. It lies at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, close to the Roman Forum and the Curia, and was the state prison of the Roman Republic. The name Mamertine came later; the Romans called it the Tullianum. Visitors searching for Mamertine Prison tickets often pair it with a walk through the Forum.
Two chambers are stacked on top of each other, cut into the rock. The lower one, once reached only through a hole in the ceiling, was the prison cell proper and is where important prisoners were held before execution. The dark, cool space still feels grim today.
Enemies of Rome: Jugurtha, Vercingetorix and Catiline’s Followers
Many famous names passed through this prison. Jugurtha, the king of Numidia, is said to have died here after being led in Marius’s triumph, and Vercingetorix, the Gallic chieftain defeated by Julius Caesar, was held here before being executed. Followers of Catiline, who plotted against the Republic in 63 BC, also met their end in the Tullianum.
Your audio guide, available in several languages, tells these stories as you move through the chambers. It brings to life the political drama behind Rome’s expansion and shows how the city treated its most dangerous enemies. The audio commentary is included in your ticket.
St Peter, St Paul and the Church Above
Christian tradition holds that St Peter and St Paul were held in this prison shortly before their deaths in Rome. A chapel above the prison, the church of San Pietro in Carcere, commemorates that tradition, and pilgrims visit to see the spring and the pillar associated with Peter.
Whether you come for history or faith, the site offers a rare contrast: the harsh reality of Roman justice and the later Christian reverence. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful, and it is a good stop for a thoughtful half hour.
Planning Your Visit
The visit is short, so it fits easily in a morning around the Forum, the Palatine Hill and the Capitoline Museums, all a few minutes away on foot. To use the audio guide, download the app named in your confirmation before you arrive and bring headphones.
The ticket is valid for one day. Baby strollers and large luggage are not allowed, and the site is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because of steps. Check the booking panel for your date and confirmation for opening times.
Itinerary
- EntranceShow your ticket and start your audio guide.
- Upper chamberLearn about the prison’s role in the Roman Republic.
- The TullianumDescend to the lower cell where prisoners were held, about fifteen minutes.
- Stories of famous prisonersHear about Jugurtha, Vercingetorix and the Catilinarian plot.
- Church of San Pietro in CarcereFinish with the chapel linked to St Peter and St Paul.
What's included
- Entry to Carcer Tullianum (Mamertine Prison)
- Audio guide in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese
Not included
- Tour guide
- Transport
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 6–17
- A short visit — about 1 hour
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments (steps and narrow stairs)
- Baby strollers and large luggage are not allowed
Meeting point
This is an entry ticket, so you go directly to the Mamertine Prison at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, next to the Roman Forum, on the date you chose. Your confirmation gives the entrance details and explains how to open the audio guide.
Important information
- The ticket is valid for one day
- Audio guide is included in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese
- You need to download the audio guide app on your phone and bring headphones
- Baby strollers and large bags are not allowed
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
- Opening hours change by season; check the booking panel
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Mamertine Prison ticket cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and on the ages of your group. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and for children, so you can compare before you book.
What is included in the ticket?
Entry to Carcer Tullianum and a multilingual audio guide in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. Transport and a live guide are not included.
How long does the visit take?
About thirty to forty-five minutes is enough for most people.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. This is an entry ticket, and the prison is a short walk from the Roman Forum.
Is the Mamertine Prison worth visiting?
Yes, if you like the darker side of Roman history. It is small, atmospheric and easy to combine with the Forum.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes for older children who are interested in history. The chambers are dark, so it may not suit very young ones. The booking panel shows the age categories.
How do I use the audio guide?
Download the app named in your confirmation before you arrive and bring headphones.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
No. The site has steps and narrow stairs, so it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
How do I get to the Mamertine Prison?
It is next to the Roman Forum at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, about ten minutes on foot from the Colosseum.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, as long as the option you want still has places on that date. Pick your date in the booking panel and it shows what is available. If you need something at short notice and nothing appears, message us and we will check for you.
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