Duane McLaughlin November 29, 2023

Exploring Arch of Dolabella

Step back in time with a visit to the ancient Arch of Dolabella in Rome's Centro Storico.

Centro Storico Attraction
The Arch of Dolabella in Rome
Photo by Lalupa / Wikimedia Commons

Introduction

The Arch of Dolabella is one of the oldest and most intriguing monuments in Rome. It was built in 10 AD by the consuls Publius Cornelius Dolabella and Gaius Junius Silanus, and it spans the ancient road that connected the Roman Forum with the Caelian Hill. The arch is a testimony of the history and transformations of the city, as it incorporates parts of the Servian Wall, the Aqua Claudia aqueduct, and the Lateran Palace. In this article, you will learn more about the origin, architecture, and significance of this fascinating arch, as well as some tips and practical information for your visit.

Setting Expectations: Downsides and Time Considerations

The Arch of Dolabella is not a very popular attraction among tourists, so you will not have to deal with crowds or long queues. However, this also means that there is not much information or signage available on site, so you might want to do some research beforehand or hire a guide to fully appreciate its history and details. The arch is also located in a rather secluded area, away from the main attractions and public transportation, so you will need to walk a bit to reach it. The visit itself will not take more than 15 minutes, but you can combine it with other nearby sights, such as the Basilica of San Clemente, the Colosseum, or the Baths of Caracalla.

Tips for your visit of the Arch of Dolabella

  • Look for the inscriptions The arch has two inscriptions on its inner sides, one in Latin and one in Greek, that commemorate its construction by the consuls Dolabella and Silanus. They are a rare example of bilingual epigraphy in ancient Rome, and they reveal some interesting facts about the political and cultural context of the time.
  • Admire the aqueduct The arch was later incorporated into the Aqua Claudia aqueduct, which was built by Emperor Claudius in 52 AD to supply water to the imperial palaces and public baths. You can still see the traces of the aqueduct on top of the arch, as well as along the road that leads to it. The aqueduct was one of the most impressive engineering feats of ancient Rome, and it had a capacity of 190,000 cubic meters of water per day.

If you are interested in learning more about the arch and its surroundings, you can join one of the guided tours that are offered by some local agencies or online platforms. They will provide you with more insights and anecdotes about this hidden gem of Rome.

Practical Information

Opening Hours: The arch is accessible at any time of the day, but it is best to visit it during daylight hours for better visibility and safety.

How to Get There: The arch is located on Via di S. Paolo della Croce, near the intersection with Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano. You can reach it by walking from the Colosseum (about 15 minutes) or from San Giovanni metro station (about 10 minutes). Alternatively, you can take bus 81 or 673 and get off at Labicana/Merulana stop, then walk for about 5 minutes.

Price: The arch is free to visit and does not require any ticket or reservation.

Crowds: The arch is usually not crowded, as it is not a well-known attraction among tourists. You might encounter some locals or other curious visitors, but you will not have to worry about noise or congestion.

Weather Considerations: The arch is an outdoor monument, so it is exposed to the weather conditions. You might want to avoid visiting it on rainy or very hot days, as there is not much shade or shelter nearby.

Photography: The arch is a great spot for taking photos, as it offers a contrast between the ancient and modern aspects of Rome. You can capture the arch itself, as well as the views of the aqueduct, the wall, and the surrounding buildings. You are allowed to use any camera or device, but please be respectful of the monument and do not climb on it or damage it in any way.

Accessibility: The arch is accessible to wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility, as there are no stairs or barriers to reach it. However, the road that leads to it is not very smooth or even, so you might need some assistance or caution.

Facilities: There are no facilities or services available at the arch, such as restrooms, water fountains, or souvenir shops. You will need to bring your own supplies or look for them elsewhere.

Tours: There are no official tours or guides available at the arch, but you can find some online or offline options that include it in their itineraries. You can also download some apps or podcasts that provide audio guides or interactive maps for the arch and other attractions in Rome.

Bringing Children: The arch is a suitable attraction for children, as it can spark their curiosity and imagination about the ancient world. You can explain to them the history and significance of the arch, as well as some fun facts and stories related to it. You can also play some games or quizzes with them to make the visit more engaging and enjoyable.

Bringing Pets: You are allowed to bring your pets to the arch, as long as they are well-behaved and leashed. Please be responsible and clean up after them, and do not let them disturb other visitors or damage the monument.

These details are subject to change; please check the official website for the latest information

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Arch of Dolabella?

    The Arch of Dolabella is an ancient Roman arch that was built by senatorial decree in 10 AD by the consuls P. Cornelius Dolabella and C. Junius Silanus. It was originally part of the Servian Walls, the oldest defensive system of Rome, and later incorporated into the aqueducts of Nero and Severus Alexander.

  • Where is the Arch of Dolabella located?

    The arch is located on the Caelian Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, at the north corner of the site of the Castra Peregrina, a military barracks for foreign soldiers. It spans the modern Via di S. Paolo della Croce, along the line of the ancient Clivus Scauri, a road that connected the Caelian Hill with the Palatine Hill.

  • Why is the Arch of Dolabella important?

    The Arch of Dolabella is important because it is one of the few surviving examples of Roman arches from the Augustan period, and because it shows the adaptation and reuse of ancient structures for different purposes over time. The arch also has a connection with the history of Christianity, as it was turned into a dwelling by Saint John of Matha, the founder of the Trinitarian Order, a religious organization dedicated to freeing Christian slaves from Muslim captivity.

Must see

  • The inscription on the arch

    The inscription on the arch records the names of the consuls who built it and the date of its construction. It reads: P(ublius) Cornelius P(ubli) f(ilius) Scipio / C(aius) Iunius C(ai) f(ilius) Silanus co(n)s(ules) / faciundum coerarunt ("Publius Cornelius Scipio, son of Publius, and Gaius Junius Silanus, son of Gaius, consuls, ordered it to be made"). The inscription is faded but still legible.

  • The aqueducts above the arch

    The aqueducts above the arch are part of the Aqua Claudia and Aqua Anio Novus, two of the eleven aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome. The Aqua Claudia was begun by Caligula in 38 AD and completed by Claudius in 52 AD. The Aqua Anio Novus was built by Nero between 60 and 62 AD. Both aqueducts were later restored by Severus Alexander in 226 AD. The arch served as a support for the last section of these aqueducts before they reached their terminus at Porta Maggiore.

  • The church of San Tommaso in Formis

    The church of San Tommaso in Formis is a small church that stands next to the arch. It was built in the 12th century by Saint John of Matha as part of his convent and hospital for ransomed slaves. The church has a Romanesque facade with a mosaic depicting Christ between two angels and two saints. The interior has frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries depicting scenes from the life of Saint John of Matha and his miracles.

  • The park of Villa Celimontana

    The park of Villa Celimontana is a public park that covers part of the Caelian Hill. It was originally a vineyard owned by the Mattei family, who built a villa there in the 16th century. The villa was later transformed into a palace by Giacomo della Porta and Carlo Maderno. The park has many trees, fountains, statues, and monuments, including an Egyptian obelisk brought from Heliopolis by Augustus. The park also hosts cultural events such as concerts and festivals.

If you visit the Arch of Dolabella, you can also enjoy a walk around the Caelian Hill, one of the most peaceful and picturesque areas of Rome. You can admire other ancient ruins such as the Baths of Caracalla, the Temple of Claudius, and the Church of Santo Stefano Rotondo. You can also visit the Basilica of San Clemente, a unique example of a layered church with three levels of history: a 12th-century basilica, a 4th-century church, and a 1st-century pagan temple.

Exploring Arch of Dolabella in Rome

Lesser known stories and Interesting Facts

  • The arch was built by two consuls

    The Arch of Dolabella was erected in 10 AD by the consuls Publius Cornelius Dolabella and Gaius Junius Silanus, who were also responsible for restoring the Aqua Marcia aqueduct.

  • The arch was incorporated into the Aurelian Walls

    In the 3rd century AD, the emperor Aurelian built a defensive wall around Rome to protect it from barbarian invasions. The Arch of Dolabella was incorporated into the wall as a gate, and it is one of the few ancient monuments that survived the medieval demolitions.

  • The arch has a unique shape

    The Arch of Dolabella is not a typical triumphal arch, but rather a single arch with a rectangular attic. The arch has a curved profile on the inner side and a flat profile on the outer side, creating an asymmetrical shape. The reason for this design is not clear, but it may have been influenced by the nearby Porta Maggiore.

  • The arch has inscriptions on both sides

    The Arch of Dolabella has two inscriptions, one on each side of the attic. The inscriptions record the names and titles of the consuls who built the arch, and they are identical except for the order of the names. The inscriptions are also notable for using the letter K instead of C in some words, such as KOS (consul) and KAL (calendar).

  • The arch was used as a prison

    In the Middle Ages, the Arch of Dolabella was converted into a prison by the Frangipane family, who controlled this area of Rome. The prison was known as the Carceri Nuove (New Prisons), and it housed some famous inmates, such as Pope Sixtus IV and Giordano Bruno, who was later burned at the stake for heresy.

Historical Background

The Arch of Dolabella is one of the oldest and most interesting monuments in Rome. It was built in 10 AD by two consuls, Publius Cornelius Dolabella and Gaius Junius Silanus, who were also responsible for restoring the Aqua Marcia aqueduct. The aqueduct passed under the arch, which served as a water distribution point for the nearby neighborhoods.

The arch was originally located on the Via Latina, an ancient road that connected Rome with southern Italy. The arch was probably intended to commemorate the military achievements of Dolabella and Silanus, who had fought against the Parthians in Armenia and Mesopotamia. However, there are no reliefs or decorations on the arch that illustrate their victories.

In the 3rd century AD, the emperor Aurelian built a defensive wall around Rome to protect it from barbarian invasions. The Arch of Dolabella was incorporated into the wall as a gate, and it is one of the few ancient monuments that survived the medieval demolitions. The arch was also reinforced with towers and battlements to improve its defensive function.

In the Middle Ages, the Arch of Dolabella was converted into a prison by the Frangipane family, who controlled this area of Rome. The prison was known as the Carceri Nuove (New Prisons), and it housed some famous inmates, such as Pope Sixtus IV and Giordano Bruno, who was later burned at the stake for heresy. The prison was demolished in 1888, when Rome became the capital of Italy and underwent major urban transformations.

Today, the Arch of Dolabella is a hidden gem in Rome, often overlooked by tourists and locals alike. It is located in a quiet street near the Church of San Saba, and it offers a glimpse into the rich and complex history of Rome.

Nearby Restaurants

  • La Pecora Nera A cozy and elegant restaurant that serves traditional Roman cuisine with a modern twist. Try their homemade pasta, such as cacio e pepe or carbonara, or their grilled lamb chops with rosemary potatoes.
  • Ristorante Luzzi A family-run restaurant that offers authentic and affordable Roman dishes, such as pizza, pasta, and meat. Don't miss their fried artichokes, their amatriciana sauce, or their tiramisu.
  • Hostaria Antica Roma A historic restaurant that is located inside a 2nd century AD tomb. Enjoy their refined and seasonal menu, featuring local specialties such as gnocchi with truffles, saltimbocca alla romana, or ricotta cake.

Nearby Attractions

  • Porta Maggiore A monumental gate that was built by the emperor Claudius in 52 AD. It was part of the Aqua Claudia and Anio Novus aqueducts, and it has two large arches decorated with reliefs and inscriptions.
  • Basilica of Saint John Lateran The oldest and most important church in Rome, and the official seat of the pope. It was founded by Constantine in the 4th century AD, and it has a magnificent facade, a rich interior, and a holy staircase.
  • Colosseum The most famous and iconic monument in Rome, and one of the wonders of the world. It was built by the Flavian emperors in the 1st century AD, and it was the largest amphitheater in the ancient world, hosting gladiator fights, animal hunts, and spectacles.

Conclusion

The Arch of Dolabella is a fascinating and underrated attraction in Rome, that reveals the layers of history and culture that shaped the eternal city. Whether you are interested in ancient Rome, medieval Rome, or modern Rome, you will find something to admire and learn from this arch. If you are looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in Rome, don't miss the Arch of Dolabella!