Most visitors to London head straight for big landmarks like the Tower of London or the British Museum and don’t even realize there are Roman ruins in London waiting to be explored. Hidden beneath the modern city, you can visit the London Mithraeum, a ancient Roman temple that’s free to explore.
When I walked the Hadrian’s Wall Path, one of my favorite stops was the Temple of Mithras near Brocolitia Fort. Since then, I have wanted to see more Roman sites. Discovering that London has its own Mithraeum felt like finding a hidden link between the capital and Roman Britain.
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A Glimpse into Roman London
Walking through the modern streets of the City, it’s hard to imagine that nearly 2,000 years ago this was the bustling heart of Roman Londinium. When the Romans founded Londinium around AD 47, it quickly grew into a thriving port city on the River Thames. At its height, it was home to as many as 45,000–60,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in Roman Britain. The Romans built roads, walls, and even an amphitheater, traces of which can still be seen today.
The London Mithraeum was built in the mid-3rd century AD as a temple dedicated to Mithras, a mystery god especially popular with Roman soldiers. Later, in the early 4th century, it was rededicated to Bacchus, the god of wine. That history alone makes it a fascinating reminder of how Londinium’s culture shifted over time.
The temple was rediscovered in 1954 during post-war construction work and quickly became one of the most famous Roman discoveries of the 20th century in London. Archaeologist W. F. Grimes led the excavation, which revealed marble statues of Roman deities and other artifacts now housed in the Museum of London.
At first, the ruins were moved and displayed outdoors, but the reconstruction was far from accurate. When Bloomberg built its European headquarters in 2010, the company decided to restore the temple to its original underground site, where it reopened to the public in 2017. Today, you can step into the same space where Roman Londinium once worshipped nearly 1,800 years ago and connect with the city’s ancient past.
Visiting the London Mithraeum: What to Expect
Our visit to the London Mithraeum began on the ground floor with a contemporary art exhibition. The displays change regularly, but when we went, it featured Performance of Entrapment by Jane and Louise Wilson. They had used 2,000-year-old oak stakes discovered during the excavations, and we loved how the artwork connected Roman London with sacred sites in Japan.
On the same floor, we spent time looking at the large glass cases filled with Roman artifacts found nearby. Pottery, coins, knives, and mosaics gave me a sense of what daily life might have been like almost 2,000 years ago.
After that, we headed downstairs. You can either take the stairs or the elevator, and while you wait for your turn to enter, there’s more Roman art to see. Groups are admitted about every 20 minutes, which keeps the experience small and personal.
Walking into the temple itself was definitely the highlight. At first, the space was dark and misty, and we could only make out parts of the ruins. Then, the light and sound show began. Suddenly, voices echoed all around us, and it felt as though we had been transported back to Roman times. Once the show finished, we had time to walk around, take photos, and really absorb the atmosphere.
Even if you don’t know much about Roman history, the way the story is told makes it easy to follow and incredibly engaging. Since it’s possible to see most of what is on offer at the Mithraeum in around an hour, it’s perfect to fit into a busy London itinerary. Those that want to spend more time reading about all the artifacts should allow a bit longer.
Practical Information for Visiting the London Mithraeum
It’s wonderful that the London Mithraeum is completely free to visit. You do need a timed-entry ticket, which you can easily book online in advance advance through the London Mithraeum website. I recommend doing this before your trip since spots can fill up, especially during weekends.
The temple is located beneath the Bloomberg building in the City of London. It’s easy to get to using public transportation as it just a short walk from the Bank Tube Station.
A typical visit takes around an hour, making it easy to fit into a half-day of sightseeing. Since the entire site is indoors, it’s also a great option for a rainy day or winter in London.
Be sure to download the free Bloomberg Connects app before you go. It provides a digital guide with background information that really helps bring the site and its artifacts to life.
Plan Your Own Roman Adventure
If visiting the London Mithraeum sparks your interest in Roman history, why not take it a step further and walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path? It’s one of my all-time favorite UK experiences. It’s a mix of ancient history, more modern history, and beautiful countryside.
To help you plan your trip:
- 🗺️ 7-Day Hadrian’s Wall Itinerary – A detailed route with daily distances, sights, and travel logistics.
- 🏨 Hadrian’s Wall Accommodation Directory – A curated list of great places to stay along the trail.
- 💪 Training Plan for Hadrian’s Wall – Get trail-ready with my step-by-step plan.
- 💬 Hadrian’s Wall First-Time Walkers’ Community on Facebook – Join fellow walkers for advice, support, and inspiration.
Pairing the Mithraeum with Other London Attractions
Since the London Mithraeum is right in the heart of the City, it’s easy to combine with other nearby sights. Here are a few options within walking distance:
- St. Paul’s Cathedral – Just 5–10 minutes away, this iconic London landmark is a must-see. Admission isn’t cheap, but it’s included with the London Pass, which also covers many of London’s top attractions.
- Leadenhall Market – A 10-minute walk brings you to this beautiful covered market, known for its Victorian architecture and Harry Potter filming connection. This could also be a nice place to have lunch or dinner as there is a good selection of restaurants.
- Sky Garden – A 10-minute walk will take you to this free viewpoint (tickets required in advance) with panoramic views of London.
- Tomb of the Unknown Roman Girl – When the Gerkin was built a skeleton of a Roman girl was discovered and after the building was completed she was reburied where she was found. The tomb is right outside the Gherkin, about a 15-minute walk from the Mithraeum.
Whether you only have an hour or want to make a full afternoon out of it, the Mithraeum fits easily into a London itinerary.
Why You Should Visit the London Mithraeum
The London Mithraeum is one of those rare attractions that combines history, atmosphere, and accessibility. Plus, it’s completely free. Unlike London’s big-ticket sights, it feels uncrowded and intimate, which makes the experience even more special. Because it’s compact and centrally located, it’s easy to fit into a busy travel schedule, yet you still come away with a real sense of connection to the city’s Roman past.
For me, visiting the Mithraeum was a real highlight. I loved how modern technology brought the ancient ruins to life and made it feel as though I had stepped back into Roman times. It reminded me that travel isn’t always about the biggest or most famous attractions. For me, the most memorable travel experiences are often the ones hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered.
If you’re planning a trip to London, make sure to add the Mithraeum to your itinerary. And if you’ve already been, I’d love to hear what hidden gems in London you’ve enjoyed most in the comments below.
-Anisa
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