Spring

Spring

View of the "spring" that is located in the lower, prison part, of the Mamertine Prison.  Tradition has it that Peter caused the water to flow so that he could baptize his jailers (see Mural).


According to historical sources, high-status prisoners were detained here from the sixth century B.C. on—including captive kings and rulers.  According to Christian tradition, this is where Peter and Paul were kept—at different times, probably while awaiting execution.  Of course, Acts 28:30 indicates that Paul spent two "full years in his own rented quarters" (NASB).