 Doorways towards thetabernae in the buried macellum beneathSan Lorenzo Maggiore | |
| Location | Naples,Province of Naples,Campania,Italy |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°51′3″N14°15′30″E / 40.85083°N 14.25833°E /40.85083; 14.25833 |
| Type | Macellum |
| History | |
| Periods | Classical Greece toRoman Empire |
| Site notes | |
| Website | Complesso Monumentale San Lorenzo Maggiore(in Italian) |
TheMacellum of Naples was themacellum or market building of theRoman city of Neapolis, now known asNaples. Due to the rise of the ground level the macellum is now located beneath the church ofSan Lorenzo Maggiore. The first construction dates to 5th or 4th century BC when the area was the location of theagora during theGreek period. When Neapolis became a Roman possession it was eventually transformed into a macellum. This structure was covered by amudslide in the 5th century AD, probably as a result of flooding.[1][2]
An earlyChristianbasilica was constructed over the remains of the covered macellum.[1] Consequently, this basilica was replaced by new construction over the centuries. As a result, the mud slide preserved the remains of the macellum.
The macellum had an entrance to the north, where theVia dei Tribunali runs now.[1] The rectangular building consists of aporticoed area with workshops and an internal open courtyard with mosaic floors. In the middle of the courtyard was atholos, a circular building used for food selling. Smalltabernae, a laundry and the treasury can still be recognized.[2]
Today the macellum can be visited as a part of the monumental complex ofSan Lorenzo Maggiore.
