San Nicola in Carcere Church

Address: Via del Teatro di Marcello, Rome (near the Roman Forum)

San Nicola in Carcere is a medieval church in central Rome constructed directly on and into the remains of three Roman Republican-era temples at the Forum Holitorium. The building physically integrates ancient temple columns and masonry into its plan and elevations.

The most striking feature for visitors is the visible Roman fabric - column shafts, bases and podium fragments - that appear to emerge from the church walls and the small piazza outside. The interior follows a medieval church plan adapted around those ancient elements.

A Christian church was established on the temple site in the medieval period and successive repairs and restorations adapted the ancient ruins into the church fabric; the church’s name recalls a nearby Roman prison (carcere) that once stood in the area.

San Nicola in Carcere sits near the Forum Boarium and the Theatre of Marcellus, close to the Tiber in central Rome’s historic district.

• Visible ancient fabric: Visitors can see ancient Roman columns and podiums built into the church walls and visible at street level.

What to See#

• Roman temple remains: Remains of three contiguous Roman Republican-era temples are incorporated into the church structure; columns and podium fragments are visible from the street and inside the building.

Located by the Theatre of Marcellus, near the Roman Forum in central Rome. Walkable from Piazza Venezia or the Capitoline Hill; nearest metro: Colosseo with a 10-15 minute walk.

• Explore the Roman ruins that lie directly beside and beneath the church - the three-level configuration (temple foundations) is visible if one looks carefully.
• The staircase down to the lower levels is steep and worn; approach slowly and wear shoes with good grip.
• Visit in the morning when tour groups are fewer; the church offers surprising intimacy compared to nearby ruins.