X-Nico

3 unusual facts about Circus of Nero


Circus of Nero

Sante Bartoli's memoirs record that when Alexander VII was building the left wing of Bernini's colonnade and the lefthand fountain, a tomb was discovered with a bas-relief above the door representing a marriage-scene ("vi era un bellissimo bassorilievo di un matrimonio antico").

St. Peter's Square

He had it placed on the spina which ran along the centre of the Circus of Nero, where it would preside over Nero's countless brutal games and Christian executions.

Vatican Necropolis

Peter is said to be buried in the necropolis because of its proximity to the Circus of Nero where he was martyred.



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