Below Bloomberg’s offices at 12 Walbrook, the London Mithraeum preserves the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Mithras. Built around 240 CE, it was uncovered during construction work in 1954. A light-and-sound presentation evokes the temple’s former use, then a walkway lets you view the ruins from different angles. Upstairs, displays explain the archaeological finds, including fragments of writing tablets linked to early London. Admission is free, and a visit takes about 30 to 40 minutes, so it fits between other City stops.
A temple beneath Walbrook
The London Mithraeum occupies the site of a temple built around 240 CE, when the settlement here was known as Londinium. It was dedicated to Mithras, a deity worshipped in the Roman world. The temple was underground, and its remains were found during building work in 1954.
The site lay beside the Walbrook, a watercourse that once ran through Roman London. The modern street takes its name from it. The discovery brought part of the city’s Roman past to light beneath the later streets and buildings.
The ruins and the presentation
The temple occupies the lowest level of the visit. A light-and-sound sequence uses voices and changing illumination to suggest how the space might have felt during a ceremony. After the presentation, you can move around the remains on a walkway and look down into the archaeological site.
The displays do not claim to recreate a ceremony in exact detail. Instead, they use sound and light to give visitors a sense of the setting while keeping the surviving ruins at the centre. The temple’s position at the level of the Roman remains makes the descent part of the experience.
Finds from Roman London
The exhibition upstairs gives more detail about the temple and the objects uncovered during excavations. Among the finds are fragments of writing tablets. Some contain an early written reference to London, and one is identified as Britain’s earliest handwritten document.
Interactive displays provide information about the artefacts and the history of the site. Audio activities add another way to explore the material. Together, the remains and the finds connect a particular building to the wider story of Roman London without requiring a long visit.
Häufige Fragen
Is admission to the London Mithraeum free?
Yes, admission is free.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about 30 to 40 minutes.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Booking a time slot ahead is recommended. Walk-ins may be possible when the site is less busy.
What can I see at the London Mithraeum?
The visit includes the remains of a Roman temple, a light-and-sound presentation, archaeological finds and interactive displays.
