The Basilica of Maxentius ranks among the most impressive monuments of ancient Rome. The building has recently been given a new identity thanks to a project designed by the renowned Alvisi Kirimoto office. Commissioned by the Colosseum Archaeological Park, the architects created a concept for a contemporary tour that refers with great respect to the ancient heritage of the Eternal City, while opening it up to completely new uses.
Basilica of Maxentius in Rome – history
The Basilica of Maxentius was built in the first decades of the 4th century AD in the Roman Forum in Rome. Its construction was begun by the Emperor Maxentius and completed by Constantine the Great. It was the largest and most monumental basilica of ancient Rome, serving as a court and a place of public assembly. It consisted of three naves separated by massive columns, and its vaults reached an impressive height of over 30 metres. Although parts of the structure have been destroyed by earthquakes over the centuries, the surviving fragments still provide a sense of the scale and significance of this unique work of Roman architecture.
Alvisi Kirimoto project in Rome
The new tour of the basilica ruins, despite its distinctly contemporary expression, has been designed to harmonise with the character of the priceless monument. The design emphasises the historical significance of the site and redefines its function, creating a space conducive to meetings and cultural events. The balance between memory and the introduction of solutions that meet today’s users and standards is the key idea behind the entire concept. Following the restoration work in the nave of the basilica, the authors focused on three aspects: the creation of a new stage with a multifunctional character, the replacement of the floor and the installation of two information totems. Each of these elements was designed to enrich the visitors’ experience as much as possible and enable them to better understand the architecture of the monument.
Basilica of Maxentius – architecture and details
The focal point of the project is the stage, which acts as an exhibition platform and a tool to enliven the entire space. It has been placed in the main hall, restoring the transverse connection between the three naves. The stage is intended to serve as a venue for performances, screenings and conferences, and its location allows the details of the centuries-old monument to be admired from a new perspective. The stepped auditorium opens towards the Horti Farnesiani, and a system of ramps and stairs facilitates movement through the building. A second staircase on the north side leads to the apse, allowing a closer look at the preserved parts of the monument. Integrated lighting, steel balustrades and benches placed along the stage ensure that visitors are comfortable and can relax. The stage itself was made using a modular system. Its surface is made up of birch plywood panels arranged in a rhythmic pattern of slats that thicken towards the centre, subtly directing the eye towards the monumental body of the basilica.
Elements of the new tour
The scope of the project also included the courtyard in front of the basilica, where a new surface of natural earth and lime was laid. Metal information totems equipped with audiovisual systems were also installed, enabling visitors to learn more about the history and significance of the monument.
Design: Alvisi Kirimoto
Project team: Massimo Alvisi, Junko Kirimoto, Sara Ciarimboli, Roberto Fioretti
Photographs: Giuseppe Miotto / Marco Cappelletti Studio
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