Rome underground: Secrets beneath the Eternal City

Campo De’ Fiori

Meet your tour guide in the City Centre, at Campo de’ Fiori, that was once a field of flowers, and thus the name was paved in 1456 under Pope Callistus III. It was a very popular part of Rome, frequented by the most influential historical figures. Its popularity drew new businesses to the area, opening workshops, inns and taverns making this neighbourhood one of the most prosperous of the city.[readmore]

Piazza Navona

The next stop on the tour is the picturesque Piazza Navona, that over the centuries has become the symbol of Roman Baroque Style. Today it houses the “Fountain of the Four Rivers”, a masterpiece designed by Bernini who represents the four corners of the Earth, and the Church of St. Agnes in Agone by Francesco Borromini.

Undergrounds of Navona square

Continue this tour and discover the real treasure of Navona square: Enter the secret undergrounds of the square and see the remains of the Domitian Stadium that, with over two thousand years of history, is one of the most impressive structures built during the Roman Empire, and even today is still unknown to the majority of people.

Pantheon

See Michelangelo’s favourite Roman building, as well as Raphael’s. In fact, the latter loved the building so much it is also his resting place. The structure is divided into two separate parts, the portico and the rotunda, which were masterfully formulated to look like one. Marvel at its dimensions, find out what its inscriptions mean, and look up at is ceiling, a mathematical triumph. You’ll get to learn how the pantheon was built, why it’s so well preserved and who else is buried within its impressive walls.

Fontana di Trevi

This is undeniably one of the most famous fountains in world. The Trevi Fountain was created by Nicola Salvi between 1732 and 1751. Unfortunately, he died before its completion and the work was entrusted to four other artists before it was finally inaugurated in 1762. Immortalised in movies like Roman Holiday, Three Coins in a Fountain and La Dolce Vita, it is something you must see in person to truly appreciate. Its beauty, the sheer size of it and the way the water sounds as you approach are things that just can’t be replicated, even on the big screen. Discover the interesting history surrounding the fountain, where its name comes from, and the correct way to throw your coins in.

Trevi Fountain underground

An unexpected find occurred when workers unwittingly restored a cinema near the Trevi Fountain. They hit an underground world, known as the “city of water”, even though the subterranean archaeological area is officially called Vicus Caprarius.

The area, that once had been houses and a luxurious "domus" residence, in later centuries of the Imperial age, was then transformed into a massive water cistern and of water distribution tank, where one of the twelve Roman aqueducts ended.

Follow your guide through ages of history and discover one of the biggest secrets of Rome. Experience a unique discovery and see a part of the City, that not many tourists have seen yet!