The Oldest Medieval House in Rome

Map

House of the Crescenzi

---

The Casa dei Crescenzi was built by Nicolò di Crescenzio between 1040 and 1065, which makes it the oldest medieval house still standing in Rome. 

The builder recycled fragments of ancient Roman buildings and sculpture in its construction, a practise known as spolia. 

The long inscription above the entrance explains why Crescenzio incorporated ancient Roman remains into his own residence. It reads, “it was not vanity which motivated [Niccolo] to build this house, but the desire to restore the ancient dignity of Rome.”

The inscription goes on to remind the reader of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. 

---

Inscription Above the Entrance