After a long restoration process, the ancient prison where Saint Peter was held was reopened to the public. Carcer Tullianum prison is located beneath a 16th-century church, which in turn is located near the Forum Romanum.
The building has the latest technologies that will allow tourists to explore the place using tablets. After pointing the screen at the object in the prison, you will be able to read additional information and see a 3D reconstruction.
It is here that, according to the accounts, Saint Peter was to cause a spring to appear with fresh water, which he then used to baptize fellow prisoners. The source can still be seen.
The prison is famous not only because Saint Peter was there. The Romans also held Vercingetorix, the legendary leader of the Gauls, who “threw down the gauntlet” to Caesar.
Interestingly, while working in the prison, archaeologists found a lemon, which was ritually assembled in the 1st century BCE. – making it the earliest known lemon found in Europe. The cultivation of lemons did not spread to Italy until the 15th century.
In addition, scientists have found evidence that the prison as a building existed even more than 3,000 years ago.
