Hypogeum

A few kilometers from Verona, nestled in the heart of Valpantena, is the Hypogeum of Santa Maria in Stelle, commonly known as "Pantheon". An archaeological site and a unique place of worship.

The Hypogeum, from the Greek ὑπό «below» and γῆ «land», owes its name to its conformation: in fact, the site appears as an underground environment branching out under the church of the parish of Santa Maria Assunta. Born as a Roman aqueduct, over the centuries it has had many developments: from a nymphaeum for the worship of water to a baptismal font, passing through a destination for medieval pilgrimages. Its frescoes, dating back to the 4th and 5th century AD, are extremely precious: unique in terms of stylistic quality, original content and state of preservation.

On the occasion of its reopening in 2018, today the Hypogeum can and must be considered not only a place of spirituality and catechesis, but also a place of tourist attraction. His frescoes continue to create an opportunity to meet, where it is possible to cultivate the memory, enrich one's knowledge and participate in a debate that has religion at its center, but also art and culture.

The opening to the public, upon mandatory booking, is allowed in respect of the fragility of the site. The archaeological site is in fact extremely delicate and susceptible to changes in the internal microclimate. Recent studies related to the conservative restoration of the Hypogeum - conducted between 2004 and 2018 - have indeed shown that the frescoes inside the Hypogeum are highly perishable.

FAQ

What is the Hypogeum?
The Hypogeum of Santa Maria in Stelle (much known as "Pantheon") is an archeological site, and a quite unique place of Christian cult.

What functions did it historically have?
The Hypogeum was born as a Roman aqueduct, but over the centuries it has undergone many evolutions: from a nymphaeum for the worship of water to a baptismal font, passing through a medieval pilgrimage destination.

Where is located?
The site is located in the heart of Valpantena, in the small village of Santa Maria in Stelle, which is about 10 km from Verona.