Turn left out of the Hotel gate then first right. After crossing two streets you will find St. Clements on your right.
San Clemente - Via San Giovanni in Laterano
This basilica, less than a block away from Hotel Lancelot, is one of the most fascinating sites in Rome: you can time travel through three layers of history, one on top of the other, to experience Rome's long and continuously changing history. The upper level of the current church dates back to the 12th century, the level below to the 4th century and the foundations to antiquity. The excavations under this church provide a dramatic introduction to Rome's living history. (Entrance to the excavations is on the right side of the church)
The schola cantorum (walled marble choir enclosure), survived a fire during the Norman sacking of Rome in 1084, and was moved upstairs to the new church where it still stands. However the most striking feature is the 12th century mosaic in the apse. On your left as you enter is a wonderful fresco by Masolino - this is one of the earliest renaissance works in Rome and was revolutionary for its time in introducing perspective and a more human representation of Christ.
Turn left when leaving the side exit of St Clements, cross the street and turn right into Via dei Querceti and then left into Via S. Quattro. At the corner is a small shrine.
Aedicule housing an image of the Madonna
At the foot of the slope leading to S. Quattro Coronati there is possibly one of the most ancient sacred images in the streets of Rome. The shrine is located along the pope's procession route to S. Giovanni in Laterano. The madonnella is most likely a 15th century painting though documents from the 10th century refer to the existence of this image.
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Continue up the hill on Via S. Quattro. At the top of the hill is the church of Santi Quattro Coronati.
The Santi Quattro Coroanati basilica dates back to the 4th century. The silent and beautiful cloister with delicately carved pillars and 12th century fountain will take you back in time.
The 'Parlatorio' - a tiny chapel with 12th century frescos - is well worth a visit. The chapel is on the right of the inner courtyard. You will need to ask for the key for which a small donation should be offered.
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Continue in the same direction along Via S Quattro, past the Irish College until you come to a large square, Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano. On entering the Piazza on your immediate right is the Ospitale di San Giovanni in Laterano.
Ospedali di San Giovanni in Laterano
The hospital was founded by Innocentius III in 1204 and was extensively rebuilt by Pope Sixtus V when he rebuilt the area. Pope Sistus also wanted to build a direct route from S. Giovanni to St. Peter and had ordered the demolition of the Colosseum. Fortunately he was dissuaded from this. S. Giovanni is still one of the main hospitals of Rome. The old ward is now used as the public reception area. Note the medieval entrance to the hospital in the street leading to the Colosseum.
On the opposite side of the piazza is the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.
San Giovanni was built around 313, and is Rome's official cathedral. Little remains of the original basilica and additions continued to be made throughout the centuries. The interior was last transformed in 1646 by Borromini, whereas the facade, surmounted by 15 huge statues, was designed by Alessandro Gallei in 1735.
Exit the piazza the same way you entered it. Bear left into Via S. Stefano Rotondo. There are many interesting features of the original hospital to view en route. Along the way you will see the remains of the roman aqueduct 'Acqua Claudia' which carried water to the Palatine. Just before coming to the next piazza is the entrance on the left to the church of Santo Stefano Rotondo.
This church, with its rare circular structure, is one of the oldest in Rome and is interesting for its unusual shape. The marvellous circular hall contains 22 Ionic columns, and the walls are frescoed with graphic scenes of ghastly martyrdoms.
Turn left out of the church and continue in the same direction as before until you come to Largo di Santa Militare and turn left up the hill towards the church of S. Maria in Dominica. There are many interesting things to see in this area.
The church is one of the oldest deaneries in Rome, rebuilt by Pope Pasquale I in 817. Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici (who later became Pope Leo X) built the portico under Innocentius VIII. The mosaic work inside is worth a view.
The ship or Navicella fountain is a copy of a Roman marble found in the area. The theme of the little ship appears again in the beautiful late Renaissance wooden ceiling of the church.
On the way to the church you can also see the aqueduct of Acqua Claudia, the entrance to Villa Mattei, S. Tommaso in Formis and the Arch of Delobella.
These medieval buildings were part of the hospital annexed to the church of S. Tommaso in Formis. This church belonged to the Trinitarian order which was devoted to freeing Christian slaves. The mosaic medallion dating form the 18th century shows Christ between a white and a black slave.
Next to the S Maria in Domenica is the entrance to the Park of Villa Celimontana.
Villa Celimontana (Villa Mattei).
Villa Celimonana was built in 1582 by Ciriaco Mattei and is also known as Villa Mattei. Today the villa houses the National Geographic Society of Italy. The villa gardens offer many delightful walks and vistas.
The next site of San Giovanni e Paolo can be reached either through the park's northern exit or by returning to Largo S Militare and proceeding through the arch in the aqueduct.
The square has hardly changed since medieval times.
The portico dates from the 12th century and is embellished by columns of Roman origin. The chapel with the dome is a 14th century addition. Excavations beneath this church have revealed Roman houses of the first and second centuries used as places of Christian worship.
The bell tower is typical of many medieval churches in Rome. The tower was built on the foundations of a Roman temple dedicated to the emperor Claudius. The tower is decorated with ceramic dishes from Spain (at the time under the Moors) and is decorated with inscriptions dedicated to Allah.
On the side of the church going down the hill is the entrance to the Roman Houses.
Roman Houses beneath S Giovanni e Paolo
Beneath the church excavations have revealed a complex of some rooms, shop fronts and streets dating back to Roman imperial times. There are some 20 rooms, some of which are decorated with frescos from third to the twelth centuries. The excavations were started in 1887 by Padre Germano and opened to the public as a museum in 2002.
Continue down the hill through the arched buttresses. The street, Via Clivo Scauro, has not changed names since Roman times. At the bottom of the hill you will the church of S. Gregorio on your left.
The old church built in 575 was thoroughly restored by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in 1633. Giambattista Soria built the steps and a new theatrical (false) façade which leads to an atrium and then to the church.
From the broad stairway you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Palatine.
From San Gregorio you can make your way towards the Colosseum by following the tram lines to the right or by descending the stairs to Via di S. Gregorio and turning right. If you like you can turn left to Circo Massimo (where chariot races were held) and go a further couple of hundred meters.
This famous monument is at the end of the street from the Hotel Lancelot. Tickets are required. To avoid long queues you could consider purchasing a "combo" multi-site ticket from a less frequented museum or from the Palatine entrance close to the Colosseum.
The Colosseum (after the name of a nearby colossal statue of Nero) was completed by the Emperor Titus Flavius in AD 80. During the Middle Ages it was fortified by the Frangipane, who erected a wall around it making use of the Arches of Titus and Constantine. In the 16th century the building came under the protection of the Roman Senate, but this did not prevent the usage of its fallen parts for lime making (calcination) or for the many churches and palaces built in the 15th-17th centuries.
In 438 the emperor Valentinianus III closed the gladiators' schools and the performances were limited to the hunting of wild beasts. The invasion of northern Africa by the Vandals interrupted the supply of lions and other wild animals and the last performances were based on bears from the nearby mountains.
You can reach the forum entrance from Via Sacra, a small lane near the Arch of Constantine.
The Roman Forum and the Palatine hill are next to the Colosseum. Access to most of the Forum area is now free. However, a ticket is required to visit the adjoining Palatine hill.
After leaving the forum make your way back towards the Colosseum and keep it on your right while heading towards via Labicana. turn left up the stairs on to Via del Fagutale which passes by Piazza S Pietro in Vincoli.
Houses the mighty Moses by Michelangelo. Conserved in the reliquary on the main altar are the chains said to have been used to shackle Saint Peter in Jerusalem.
Go down Via Eudossiana and enter the park overlooking the Colosseum. Follow the signs for the entrance to the Domus Aurea excavations.
Domus Aurea - Nero's Golden Palace
Due to heavy rainfall in December 2005, the site has been closed to the public.
Nero's impressive golden palace was finally opened to the public in 1999 after 18 years of restoration works. Visits to the excavations are limited to small groups and must be booked in advance. The Lancelot staff can assist you with reservations. We advise you take a guided tour or hire headphones.
Return to the Hotel through the park walking away from the Colosseum. Leave through the large staircase which descends to Via Labicana and cross over to Via Celimontana. Continue for two blocks and turn left on to Via Capo d'Africa.