When approaching the city of Fiumicino over the Via Portuense, you will see the entrance to the medieval borgo known as Episcopio, or Castello di Porto. These are the fortified remains of the hamlet that developed next to the Port of Trajan.
A brief history of the Episcopio di Porto
Portus, until the 9th century Rome’s main commercial port, was the name of the hamlet that sprung up near the harbors constructed by the emperors Claudius and Trajan. The defensive wall was constructed in the 4th century, under Constantine.
The complex may have been built on what used to be the site of the administrative offices of the ports of Claudius and Trajan.
During the early middle ages, the Episcopio di Porto became the first defense against pirate attacks.
From the 9th century, Portus was gradually abandoned. The Episcopio was further fortified in the 11th century.
In the 16th century, famous architects such as Pirro Ligorio, Baldassarre Peruzzi e Andrea Palladio started studying the ruins, but organized excavations did not begin until the 19th century.
In occasion of the Jubilee of 2000, extensive restorations of the outer wall, the facade of the church and the bishopric and the bell tower took place.
What to see in the Episcopio di Porto
Of the original complex, the crenellated walls and the entrance portal with the coat of arms of Pope Sixtus IV are still visible. In 1483, the pope had commissioned some of the restoration work that needed to be done. An inscription in the courtyard testifies that Cardinal Corneo had further restoration work done in 1538.
The entrance gate dates back to 1771. The two marble columns flanking it were taken from the nearby Necropoli di Porto.
The church of the Santi Ippolito and Lucia in the courtyard contains the relics of the patron saint of Fiumicino (Sant’Ippolito). It was reconstructed in 1582. At the same time, the bell tower and a chapel dedicated to saint Erasmus were added.
The courtyard itself was constructed in the 18th century, by the architects Gregorini and Passalaqua.
What to know before your visit
Address: Via del Casale di Santa Lucia, 48 – Fiumicino.
The walking/cycling path along the river Tiber runs past the back of the Episcopio. It is from here you have the best view of the defensive walls and towers.
Episcopio di Porto
Sources
- Information available outside the Episcopio di Porto itself.
- All photos are my own.