The Devil’s Chair: Rome’s Alchemical Mystery
- Architectural Evolution: Originally a high-status Roman tomb for a freedman of Hadrian, the structure’s accidental “chair-like” shape after a collapse birthed its spooky nickname.
- Esoteric Significance: Beyond its Roman roots, the site is a landmark for fans of the occult due to 16th-century alchemical graffiti and medieval demonic legends.
- Unique Interior: The structure consists of two levels, featuring a white mosaic floor in the lower chamber and sophisticated brickwork (niches and a shell-shaped cap) in the upper chamber.
The “Devil’s Chair”, or the tomb of Aelius Callistion (Elio Callistio), is a funerary architecture of ancient Rome located in Piazza Elio Callistio in Rome.
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The tomb stood on a hillock along the ancient Via Nomentana. The square was called Piazza della Sedia del Diavolo until the 1950s.
Aelius Callistion was a freedman of Hadrian. His sepulcher was built in the first half of the 2nd century AD, and it’s comparable to the cenotaph of Annia Regilla on the ancient Appian Way.
The building began to be called “Devil’s Chair” after the collapse of the facade when the remains took on the appearance of a chair with arms. In medieval times, a series of legends arose around the monument. It was believed that it was a demonic place, as well as the throne of Satan; during the night, men and homeless shepherds took refuge in the tomb.
According to some, in a point of the “Chair”, it is possible to read the word “kabala” engraved on the stones of the ruin by the ancient alchemist Leonhard Thurneysser zum Thurn who lived briefly in Rome during the sixteenth century.
Through a staircase, obtained under the podium, it was possible to reach the lower semi-subterranean room, with a white mosaic floor; on each of the walls, which support a ribbed vault, there are two arcosolia and, above them, five niches surmounted by small splayed windows.
The upper chamber, on the back wall, has a large arched niche, framed by two small brick columns, with a tympanum and a shell-shaped cap.
Common Questions About the Devil’s Chair in Rome
Who was Aelius Callistion?
Aelius Callistion was a freedman of the Emperor Hadrian who lived during the 2nd century AD. This monument was originally constructed as his private funerary tomb located along the ancient Via Nomentana.
Why is it called the "Devil's Chair"?
The tomb earned its name after its facade collapsed, leaving the remaining structure shaped like a massive stone armchair. During the Middle Ages, its ruins became associated with demonic legends and was rumored to be the throne of Satan.
Can you visit the Devil's Chair today?
The ruins are located in the center of Piazza Elio Callistio in Rome. While the internal chambers (the lower semi-subterranean room and the upper chamber) are visible, access to the interior is generally restricted for preservation.
What is the connection between Leonhard Thurneysser and the tomb?
Leonhard Thurneysser was a 16th-century alchemist who allegedly engraved the word “kabala” onto the stones of the ruin. This addition fueled the site’s reputation as a center for occultism and alchemy in Rome.
Matteo Damiani is an Italian sinologist, photographer, author and motion designer. Matteo lived and worked for ten years in China. Founder of CinaOggi.it, China-underground.com, Weirditaly.com and RetroFuturista.com.
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