Isola Sacra - Central north part - Round building [7]

To the east of the Basilica of Saint Hippolytus a complex of underground rooms has been found, on three levels. It dates back to the second century AD and has been used for a variety of purposes until the present day. The upper level has been called a cryptoporticus. In the centre is a round building with a diameter of c. 20 meters, known as La Rotonda. According to Lugli it was either a baptistery or a mausoleum, while later research suggested that it formed part of baths.

Plan of the round building and its surroundings.
Image: Testini 1978-80, Tav. I.