Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

The archaeological Area of the church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is located just inside the old Aurelian walls of Rome. It is possible to see the remains of the imperial residence which was built between the late second and early third century A.D.. As well as holding various monuments in a large garden, the extensive villa grounds also house the ruins of the Castrense amphitheatre, which was probably built under the Emperor Heliogabalus (218-222 A.D.). The only other example of an amphitheatre apart from the Colosseum to be found in Rome, it had a capacity of 3 500 spectators. Also located in the archaeological park is the Circus Varianus , an enormous structure (577m. long) the remains of which can be seen near the cloisters of the church of the Holy Cross . Various parts of the imperial palace, which was enlarged by the Emperor Constantine and his mother, Elena, are still visible, including the back wall  and part of the imposing apse which formed the civic basilica, so-called "Temple of Venus and Cupid", and various domus (houses) which were probably used by the courtiers. Several splendid black and white floor mosaics have been found in these houses while in one particular house colourful wall frescoes have been recently excavated.