Palazzo Sessoriano

“Wait, did they really use parts of the Amphitheatre to build new structures here?” a curious voice chimed in. The Palazzo Sessoriano, even in its partially ruined state, inspires such questions. This grand palace, dating back to the 3rd century, witnessed the reign of emperors from Septimius Severus to Constantine the Great. Imagine the power struggles, the lavish banquets, the echoes of Roman sandals against marble floors. The Palazzo Sessoriano, you see, wasn’t just a residence. It was the heart of a sprawling complex. The complex included the Amphitheatre Castrense, which Emperor Aurelian later incorporated into the Aurelian Walls. Sadly, the monastery that eventually stood here did indeed use materials from the amphitheater for new constructions in the 18th century. A testament to the ever-changing face of history. Though much of the palace is gone, remnants whisper tales of its former glory. Imagine the Terme Eleniane, the baths renovated by Constantine’s mother, Helena. Picture the bustling activity, the soothing steam, the whispers of gossip and intrigue. The Palazzo Sessoriano is a silent sentinel, a testament to the grandeur of Rome and a reminder that even empires crumble, leaving behind stories etched in stone.