On this three-hour tour we'll join an expert archaeologist for an in-depth exploration of Rome's underground, including sewers, crypts, and buried temples. Given that much of ancient Rome is still being excavated today in the course of street work and other infrastructural improvements, at some points 10 meters (30 feet) below the modern city, there is a great deal to unearth. We'll piece together an educational narrative about urban layering, the relationship between the modern city and its history, and the cutting edge of Roman archaeology.

We begin with a visit to the Vicus Caprarius, a newly opened space showing Roman apartments under a modern cinema near the Trevi Fountain, or pop into Sant'Ignazio Church, with its stunning ceiling frescos by Pozzo. We’ll proceed to the subterranean levels of San Lorenzo in Lucina, a medieval church with remnants of its basilica buried in the crypt underneath. We will also see the remains of an ancient apartment complex, and talk about domestic Roman buildings. From here our Underground Rome tour varies.

We may also stop into the chic Rinascente department store, which houses the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, inaugurated by Augustus in 19 BC, in its basement. Or we may round out the itinerary with one of the myriad underground sites controlled by the Comune di Roma or other governmental ministries. 

Tip: Many of the guides who lead this walk were featured in a National Geographic article on the ruins under Rome, written by Context founder Paul Bennett. Several were also interviewed on the History Channel Cities of the Underworld program. Both of these are excellent resources for whetting your appetite for this walk.

Disclaimer: Due to the complicated reservation process with San Lorenzo, we may need you to be flexible with your tour start time. We appreciate your understanding.

Please also note: Although we will pre-book all appointments to the sites, participants are responsible for buying their tickets at the time of the walk to any sites that require it.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin? Where does it end?
It begins near Piazza della Pilotta and finishes in the Piazza San Lorenzo. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point.

Is this walk suitable for clients who are claustrophobic?
We do spend much of the tour underground, although we don't visit any site that is particularly narrow or small.

Is this tour suitable for clients with mobility issues and/or wheelchair users? The tour goes down several flights of stairs (without elevator access) and through areas with uneven surfaces. Clients with mobility questions should contact us and we will be happy to advise if the itinerary will be appropriate for you or propose modifications where necessary.

Do you reserve headsets for this tour? 

Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.