Lancelot Neighborhood Walk
San Gregorio Magno
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 Palatin
From S Gregorio you can make your way towards the colosseum by following the tram
lines to the right or by decending 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) which is a
further couple of hundred meters.
The Colosseum
Thisfamous monument is at the end of the street from the Hotel Lancelot. Tickets are
required to visit this site. 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.
You can reach the forum entrance from Via Sacra a small lane near the Arch of
Constantine.
The Imperial Roman Forum
The churches, parks and monuments highlighted in the map are all within
easy walking distance of the Hotel.Each site can be visited individually or all
together in a circuit route.The circuit route is about 2 kms.
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 exiting the forum make your way back towards the coloseum and keep it on your
right while heading towards via Labicana.turn left unto going up the stairs onto Via del
Fagutale which passes by .Piazza S Pietro in Vincoli
Turn left out of the Hotel gate then first right. After crossing two streets you
will find St. Clements on your right.
San Pietro in Vincoli
San Clemente - Via San Giovanni in Laterano
Go down Via Eudossiana and enter the park overlooking the colosseum. Follow the
signs for the entrance to the Domus Aurea excavations.
This basilica is one of the most fascinating sites inRome: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 one below to the 4th century and the foundations to
antiquity.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)
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.
Domus Aurea - Nero's Golden Palace
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.
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 the image.
Continue up the hill on Via S. Quattro.At the top of the hill is the church Santi
Quattro Coronati.
Santi Quattro Coronati
The Santi Quattro Coronati 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 is requested.
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 Laterno.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
extensivelyrebuilt 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.The medieval entrance to the hospital (in the street
leading to the Coliseum) is worth noting.
On the opposite side of the pizza is the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.
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
there is the entrance on the left side to the church of Santo Stefano Rotondo.
Santo Stefano Rotondo
This church,with it's rare circular structure is one of the oldest in Romeis interesting
for its unusual round shape.marvelous 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.
S. Maria in Domenica
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 and the Arch of Delobella.
Villa Celemontana (Villa Mattei).
Villa Celemonana 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 offers many delightful walks and vistas.
The next site of S Giovanni e Paolo can be reached either through the park's
northern exist or by returning to Largo S Militare and proceeding through the arch
in the aqueduct.
San Giovanni e Paolo
The square has hardly changed since medieval times.
The portico dates from the 12th century and is embellished bycolumns 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.
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.