Step free access to the remains of an impressive subterranean Roman temple
5
5
Date of visit: December 2017
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The Temple of Mithras was built by the Romans about 240AD. It was dedicated to the Roman god, Mithras who it is said killed a bull in a cave and the subterranean temple is a representation of the cave. The ruins of the temple were initially discovered in the 1950s and at the time there was a lot of interest, with people queuing for hours to see it. In the 1960s the temple was moved and reconstructed. The London Mithraeum houses the remains of the temple which has been moved again, back to it's original position and restored.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
The building is step free thorough with a lift to all floors. The entrance is level with the pavement but the door I don't recall being automatic. On the ground floor is the Bloomberg Space which houses temporary exhibitions of contemporary artwork. There is also a large, floor to ceiling cabinet displaying Roman artefacts. On the Mezzanine floor is an exhibition about the temple with interactive screens. There is also a seating area, where people can wait until the go into the Temple of Mithras. The remains of the temple are on the lowest level and staff limit the numbers of people who can enter at anyone time. Entering the temple it is quite dark and hazy, which will not be suitable for some people. There is a brief sound show before the lighting levels increase. There is a seating area at the opposite end of the door.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
The nearest tube station is Canon Street or Bank. both of which have some but limited step free access. The nearest step free tube station is Blackfriars. There are several buses that stop very close by.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
On the ground floor there is a passageway to the toilets which include an accessible toilet. It is clean and spacious with grab rails and an emergency alarm cord. It is well lit with lot of mirrors.
Staff
Good
Staff are available on each of the levels. They were polite and friendly.
Additional Information
London Mithraeum is free to visit but pre-booking is advisable and available via their website. We visited on a Friday afternoon only a couple of weeks after it has been opened and it was rather busy.
