Archaeologists uncover a medieval church at Tres Tabernae, possibly marking Saint Paul passage—early frescoes may verify Christian roots.
Newsroom, June 26, 2025, Gaudium Press – Archaeologists have discovered, about 50 kilometres south of Rome, the remains of a church that may confirm the Apostle Saint Paul and his passage through the region. The basilica, decorated with early medieval frescoes, was found in Tres Tabernae, an ancient settlement along the Via Appia, according to Comune di Cisterna di Latina. Tres Tabernae appears in the New Testament as the place where Roman Christians met Paul—who was imprisoned—to accompany him to the imperial capital, where he eventually was executed.
“The ongoing excavations and restorations, funded by ministerial grants, have led to discoveries of great importance,” explained Alessandro Betori of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology; among these were fragments of early medieval inscriptions, which could represent the first evidence of Christian presence at the site, associated with the memory of Saint Paul. These results have sparked a shared interest among multiple institutions.
Professor Vincenzo Fiocchi Nicolai (University of Tor Vergata) added: “We have elements that suggest the presence of a place of worship: we may be facing the first documented Christian church at the site.”
In the 3rd century, Tres Tabernae—now part of Cisterna di Latina—became an episcopal seat. The small basilica with apse and murals now uncovered by specialists suggests it was built in memory of Saint Paul’s stay in the area.
Tres Tabernae was an important point in ancient history: in 312 B.C., Consul Appius Claudius Caecus began construction of the Via Appia, a major trade route over 540 km long, which since July 2024 has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the “Via Appia Antica”. It provided the Roman Empire a direct connection from Rome to Brindisi in Apulia, and from there by ship to the East. With the Lombard invasions and expansion of surrounding marshes, the area around Tres Tabernae was gradually abandoned.
Compiled by Adele Wong.
Related Images:
