{"id":8731,"date":"2023-12-03T20:00:54","date_gmt":"2023-12-03T20:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=8731"},"modified":"2026-04-17T11:55:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T10:55:51","slug":"underground-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Underground Rome: 12 Catacombs, Crypts &#038; Ancient Secrets"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Visitors could spend a lifetime seeing all the sights there is to see in Rome. But there\u2019s even more to Rome than meets the eye. To truly dive in to Rome\u2019s past is to head underground. Why? Because <strong>Rome is a city built upon a city<\/strong>. The remnants of ancient Rome form the skeleton of today\u2019s Eternal City. <\/span><strong>Underground Rome is a tapestry woven with layers of time, a labyrinth showcasing the city&#8217;s rich heritage<\/strong>. Unveiling this hidden tapestry is akin to unraveling the city&#8217;s soul, layer by layer.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23325\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23325\" class=\"wp-image-23325 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/colosseum.jpg\" alt=\"Interior view of the ancient Colosseum in Rome.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/colosseum.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/colosseum-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23325\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This interior view of the Colosseum shows the sheer scale of the ancient architecture in Rome<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Underground_Rome_%E2%80%93_Layers_of_Civilisation\" >Underground Rome &#8211; Layers of Civilisation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#The_Colosseums_Hypogeum\" >The Colosseum\u2019s Hypogeum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Mithraeum_of_Circus_Maximus\" >Mithraeum of Circus Maximus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Basilica_of_San_Clemente\" >Basilica of San Clemente<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Domus_Aurea\" >Domus Aurea<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Vatican_Necropolis\" >Vatican Necropolis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Vicus_Caprarius\" >Vicus Caprarius<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Stadium_of_Domitian_Piazza_Navona\" >Stadium of Domitian (Piazza Navona)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#The_Catacombs_of_Rome\" >The Catacombs of Rome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#The_Capuchin_Crypt\" >The Capuchin Crypt<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Crypta_Balbi\" >Crypta Balbi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Domus_Romane_di_Palazzo_Valentini\" >Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Hadrians_Villa_underground_tunnels\" >Hadrian\u2019s Villa underground tunnels<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_Visiting_Underground_Rome\" >FAQs &#8211; Visiting Underground Rome<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#How_much_do_underground_Rome_attractions_typically_cost\" >How much do underground Rome attractions typically cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Is_underground_Rome_suitable_for_all_visitors_and_what_should_I_know_before_going\" >Is underground Rome suitable for all visitors, and what should I know before going?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#How_do_I_visit_Romes_underground_sites_Do_I_need_to_book_in_advance\" >How do I visit Rome\u2019s underground sites? Do I need to book in advance?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\/#Are_any_of_these_underground_sites_haunted\" >Are any of these underground sites haunted?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Underground_Rome_%E2%80%93_Layers_of_Civilisation\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Underground Rome &#8211; Layers of Civilisation<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Rome has had an incredibly long life. One of the most ancient cities in Europe, it was the Caput Mundi, or head of the world, for nearly 3,000 years. As Rome\u2019s power grew, its capital city continued to evolve, forming layer upon layer of city. Earthquakes, floods and fires formed literal layers of the city, with wars and development creating others. Today, the heritage of underground Rome includes <strong>villas, temples, nyphaeums, shrines, bathhouses<\/strong> and nearly every type of building in between.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Much of underground Rome is actually still visible, forming a sort of semi-undiscovered, underground museum &#8211; one that\u2019s well worth the visit, perhaps even combined with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rome tour or day trip<\/a> nearby too!<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Let\u00b4s explore some of the key sites of Underground Rome to discover layers of the past&#8230;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Colosseums_Hypogeum\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> <strong>The Colosseum\u2019s Hypogeum<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_20841\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20841\" class=\"wp-image-20841 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/colosseum_hypogeum.jpg\" alt=\"The Colosseum is a must visit!\" width=\"1200\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/colosseum_hypogeum.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/colosseum_hypogeum-768x377.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20841\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Colosseum, has a whole other life underground, in what\u2019s known as its hypogeum.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Rome\u2019s most well-known structure, the Colosseum, has a whole other life underground, in what\u2019s known as its <strong>hypogeum, which means &#8220;Underground in <\/strong>Ancient Greek&#8221;. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The hypogeum is an ancient labyrinth of passageways, cells and waiting rooms. At one time, chambers held thousands of warriors preparing for the fight above, while cages held wild animals. Archaeologists have since found the skulls and bones of tigers, giraffes, bears and more. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Before, only about 30 percent of the Colosseum was accessible, now, visitors can tour the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/colosseum-underground-reopened\">Colosseum underground<\/a>, and get a new perspective into the bloody spectacles held there.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mithraeum_of_Circus_Maximus\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Mithraeum of Circus Maximus<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> The Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in all of Rome, where large, elaborate chariot races were once held. Today it\u2019s one of the best-preserved Roman imperial circuses and is one of the wonders of underground Rome. Who would have thought that right next to the popular racetrack, a mithraeum, or a shrine dedicated to the god Mithras, lay hidden underground for centuries?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> The cult of Mithras came from Persia to Rome in the 1st and 3rd centuries before it was stamped out by Roman Christians around the 4th century. The cult of Mithras generally had its meetings and meals underground, as an allusion to the movements of the planets and the cosmos.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22571\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22571\" class=\"wp-image-22571 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/circus-maximus.jpg\" alt=\"large green space with ruins on one end\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/circus-maximus.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/circus-maximus-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22571\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Circus Maximus is one of the most intriguing wonders of underground Rome.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Though most only know the cult from Dan Brown novels, the mysterious religion was practiced in Rome from the first to the fourth centuries and has an integral role in ancient Roman history. The Mithraeum under the Circus Maximus are the largest and perhaps some of the most well-preserved in Rome, but if you\u2019re unable to visit or you\u2019re wildly curious, check out the Mithraeum of Palazzo Barberini, Santo Stefano Rotondo or Santa Prisca. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Basilica_of_San_Clemente\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> <strong>Basilica of San Clemente<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">St. Clement\u2019s Basilica is located just a few blocks away from the Colosseum and named after St. Clement, Catholicism\u2019s third pope. It\u2019s real draw, however, is archeological. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The 12<sup>th<\/sup>-century Basilica is built on top of a 4<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0century church, which in turn was built on top of a 1<sup>st<\/sup> century pagan temple from the cult of Mithras \u2013 a wonderful example of the layers of underground Rome &#8211; and all three of which you can visit today. <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20843\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20843\" class=\"wp-image-20843 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/san_clemente_basilica-e1770041260231.jpg\" alt=\"Basilica of San Clemente in underground Rome \" width=\"1200\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/san_clemente_basilica-e1770041260231.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/san_clemente_basilica-e1770041260231-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/san_clemente_basilica-e1770041260231-1024x853.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20843\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Basilica built on top of a church, built on top of a pagan temple. Photo credit: Tyler Bell<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Under the basilica you can tour the secret temple, apartments and maybe even an underground stream once used by the Romans. Here you can see Rome\u2019s archeology layer by layer: the difference between the 1<sup>st<\/sup> century ground level and today\u2019s ground level\u00a0is nearly\u00a060 feet! <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you\u2019d like an expert guided tour of the church, along with some incredible crypts and catacombs, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-catacombs-tour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Underground Tour of Rome<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Domus_Aurea\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Domus Aurea<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> The Domus Aurea, built by Nero in 64 AD, gives visitors a unique glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of one of Rome&#8217;s most loathed emperors. What\u2019s more, the palace was literally hidden for centuries underneath Rome. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">After Nero\u2019s death, his successors filled the palace with dirt and began building on top \u2013 today the Colosseum is where Nero\u2019s lake was once located \u2013 and the Domus Aurea was only rediscovered in the 15<sup>th<\/sup> century and excavated in the 18<sup>th<\/sup> century. Today visitors can tour the enormous pavilion, the surviving terraces and fountains, as well as the underground Octagonal Room.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vatican_Necropolis\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Vatican Necropolis<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Rome isn\u2019t the only city built on top of itself \u2013 there\u2019s an entire city under the Vatican. Underneath the massive St. Peter\u2019s Basilica lies the Vatican Necropolis. Originally a burial ground, it\u2019s said that the Apostle Peter was buried here after he was martyred in 64 or 67 AD, directly under what is now the high altar of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22595\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22595\" class=\"wp-image-22595 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170.jpg\" alt=\"people standing inside ornate cathedral\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22595\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Underneath the massive St. Peter\u2019s Basilica lies the Vatican Necropolis.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We recommend to plan in advance to make a visit, with the best idea to check the opening days and hours, and booking details and prices via the official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.museivaticani.va\/content\/museivaticani\/en.html#lnav_explore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vatican website<\/a>.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vicus_Caprarius\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Vicus Caprarius<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Though everyone knows about the Trevi Fountain, hardly anyone knows about the Vicus Caprarius, another wonder of underground Rome that includes an aqueduct that feeds the famous Trevi Fountain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Also known as the \u201cCity of Water\u201d this archeological site is made up of a massive Roman <em>domus<\/em> the Hadrian-era cistern that feeds into the 19 BC Virgin Aqueduct of the Trevi Fountain \u2013 with water still running from the ancient pipes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Because Vicus Caprarius sits directly beneath the Trevi Fountain, access is carefully controlled at street level. From 2026, the surrounding area now operates on a managed one-way pedestrian flow system to help ease congestion around one of Rome\u2019s busiest landmarks. It\u2019s best to allow a little extra time to navigate the streets above before your visit, especially during peak hours, as entry points can be easy to miss in the crowds!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stadium_of_Domitian_Piazza_Navona\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Stadium of Domitian (Piazza Navona)<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_20848\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20848\" class=\"wp-image-20848 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/domitian_stadium.jpg\" alt=\"Domitian Stadium - steps leading to a brick lined tunnel entrance which lead to underground rome \" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/domitian_stadium.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/domitian_stadium-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20848\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Domitian Stadium was the first permanent venue for sports competitions to Rome. Photo credit: Sarah E. Bond<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Stadium was commissioned by Emperor Domitian in 80 AD to bring the Greek customs of sports competitions to Rome. Housing nearly 30,000 spectators, it was the first permanent venue of this kind in ancient Rome. In the 15th century, the Stadium was paved over to build Piazza Navona. In fact, the piazza\u2019s shape is nearly an exact replica of the original stadium. Go not only to see the ancient structure that still remains, but also to learn about the history and importance of sport in ancient times, which was always done in a typically Roman blend of entertainment and competition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Catacombs_of_Rome\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>The Catacombs of Rome<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> Italy\u2019s first-century Christians didn\u2019t have a lot of options for burying their dead: they could either be buried in pagan cemeteries, or illegally underground on Christian-owned land. This is how Rome\u2019s 63 catacombs were formed. Today only four out of these 63 are open to the public: the Catacombs of Priscilla, of St. Sebastian, of St. Calliztus and of Domitilla. For visitors, each has it\u2019s own draw. <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22568\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22568\" class=\"wp-image-22568 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/romes-catacombs2.jpg\" alt=\"dark space with catacombs\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/romes-catacombs2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/romes-catacombs2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22568\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The St. Callixtus catacombs in underground Rome<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The catacombs of St. Callixtus are one of the largest and most important catacombs in Rome, with the most popes buried there, but those of St. Priscilla are the best preserved, St. Sebastian the first one, and the Domitilla Catacombs stretch over nine miles of underground tunnels and caves. They are the only ones that still house bones. Visit these and the St. Callixtus catacombs along Rome\u2019s beautiful ancient highway, the via Appia Antica.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"line-height: 1.5; color: #000000;\">Explore the different catacombs of underground Rome to learn about the city\u2019s ancient Christian past, the customs of the rich, and the homes of martyrs, saints and popes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Capuchin_Crypt\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Capuchin Crypt<br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This small crypt is decorated with the bones of nearly 4,000 skeletons, likely those of Capuchin friars. Differently from the Catacombs, this crypt seems to be built from the bones, not just filled with them. The bones cover the walls floor to ceiling, nailed there in patterns and designs. The area has several tiny chapels making up different crypts, four of which are named after various bones in the human body. Though it wasn\u2019t intended to be a morbid experience, nonetheless this bone chapel is one you won\u2019t forget if you take part in an underground Rome tour. <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22569\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22569\" class=\"wp-image-22569 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/skulls-catacombs.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/skulls-catacombs.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/skulls-catacombs-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22569\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Be prepared because some sections of the catacombs are incredibly creepy.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Crypta_Balbi\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Crypta Balbi<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> Located in the subterranean crypts of a Renaissance palace, the Crypta Balbi now forms one of the best-organized museums in the city. The museum occupies an entire city block that includes the archaeological excavation site, the ruins of the Renaissance villa and now the museum built on the remains of the Theater of Balbus from 13 BC, forming a part of the <strong>National Roman Museum.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Though widely overlooked by visitors, this is perhaps the only museum whose excavation clearly shows the layers of the historical center of Rome, from ancient Rome through Medieval times up until today. At the Crypta Balbi it\u2019s possible to trace major archeological and architectural periods of the cities urban life. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Domus_Romane_di_Palazzo_Valentini\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> <strong>Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_20845\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20845\" class=\"wp-image-20845 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/domus_romane_di_palazzo_valentini.jpg\" alt=\"Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/domus_romane_di_palazzo_valentini.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/domus_romane_di_palazzo_valentini-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20845\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Roman houses, or \u201cdomus romane\u201d give a glimpse into lives of the Roman elite. Photo credit: Mark Pazolli<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Among the temples, palaces and catacombs of underground Rome are also examples of every day life in the Eternal City. Now on display are the archaeological remains of opulent Imperial-style villas underneath the 16<sup>th<\/sup> century Palazzo Valentini in Rome. These Roman houses, or \u201cdomus romane\u201d are a preserved glimpse into the Roman elite of the Imperial Age. Tour the houses of senators and other politicians that are still decorated with mosaics, marble and gold. The structures have been \u201crecreated\u201d for visitors with light shows. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hadrians_Villa_underground_tunnels\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Hadrian\u2019s Villa underground tunnels<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> In 2013 a network of tunnels was found in a sort-of underground city beneath Hadrian&#8217;s Villa. Located in Tivoli, just 20 miles east of Rome, Hadrian\u2019s Villa (or Villa Adriana, in Italian) was built on 296 acres of land by Emperor Hadrian in the 2<sup>nd<\/sup> century AD. Described as the \u201cform of an &#8216;ideal city&#8217;\u201d it is a <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20844\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20844\" class=\"wp-image-20844 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hadrians_villa.jpg\" alt=\"Hadrian's Villa\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hadrians_villa.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hadrians_villa-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20844\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visit the underground city of Hadrian&#8217;s Villa. Photo credit: Patrick Denker<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> The vast complex has 30 buildings of palaces, spas, pavilions, libraries, gardens, pools and fountains. It also, apparently, has a complex system of underground roads likely used by carts and wagons to transport slaves, foods and other goods to and from the villa, leaving the grounds free from such unsightly activities. Much of the finds are blocked by earth and debris, but archaeologists have been working hard to free areas and eventually open them to the public. Unfortunately while they work on the restorations, there are no underground visits as of now, but keep an eye out for the future<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The surprising part is that these locations only begin to scratch the surface \u2013 pun intended \u2013 of underground Rome. Each layer represents another history, era, architecture and ideology of the magnificent Eternal City.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Embarking on an exploration of underground Rome isn&#8217;t merely a journey through time; it&#8217;s an immersive odyssey into the soul of an ancient city. From the echoes of gladiator spectacles in the Colosseum&#8217;s hypogeum to the sacred grounds of the Vatican Necropolis, every step beneath Rome&#8217;s surface unravels a new chapter of human endeavor and ingenuity. As visitors traverse these hidden passages and forgotten chambers, they become part of a story that transcends millennia, connecting the present to an illustrious past.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_Visiting_Underground_Rome\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; Visiting Underground Rome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_do_underground_Rome_attractions_typically_cost\"><\/span>How much do underground Rome attractions typically cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Prices vary depending on the site and whether a guide is included. Entry fees usually range from around \u20ac8-\u20ac15 for smaller sites (such as San Clemente\u2019s underground levels or Vicus Caprarius) to \u20ac25-\u20ac35+ for special-access experiences like the Colosseum Underground or Vatican Necropolis. Guided tours cost more but often include skip-the-line access and expert context, which is especially valuable underground where signage is minimal.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_underground_Rome_suitable_for_all_visitors_and_what_should_I_know_before_going\"><\/span>Is underground Rome suitable for all visitors, and what should I know before going?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many underground sites involve steep stairs, uneven floors, low ceilings, and cooler temperatures, so comfortable shoes are essential and mobility access can be limited. Claustrophobic visitors should be cautious, particularly in catacombs and crypts. It\u2019s also a good idea to bring a light jacket, even in summer, as temperatures underground stay cool year-round. Photography rules vary, so check in advance if that matters to you.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_visit_Romes_underground_sites_Do_I_need_to_book_in_advance\"><\/span>How do I visit Rome\u2019s underground sites? Do I need to book in advance?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended for many underground sites, especially popular or restricted-access areas like the Colosseum Hypogeum, Vatican Necropolis, Domus Aurea, and San Clemente\u2019s lower levels. Some locations only allow entry with a guided tour and have limited daily slots. Booking ahead not only guarantees access but also helps you plan your days efficiently, as underground visits often run on fixed schedules rather than open-entry hours.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"139ws6f\" data-start=\"32\" data-end=\"85\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_any_of_these_underground_sites_haunted\"><\/span>Are any of these underground sites haunted?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"87\" data-end=\"372\">Italy is full of eerie legends, from ancient catacombs and bone-decorated crypts to abandoned islands and former torture chambers. Rome\u2019s Capuchin Crypt, the Appian Way catacombs, and Venice\u2019s Poveglia Island are among the most famous sites linked to ghost stories and macabre history. If you\u2019re curious, you can explore more of Italy\u2019s spookiest locations in our full guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/spookiest-catacombs-capuchin-crypt-torture-cells-italy\">7 most haunted sites in Italy.<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22562\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22562\" class=\"wp-image-22562 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/romes-catacombs.jpg\" alt=\"A man walking through a dark passage lined with catacombs.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/romes-catacombs.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/romes-catacombs-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22562\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Explore the dark passages lined with catacombs<\/p><\/div>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"390\"><strong>Ready to take your curiosity underground?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"390\">Turn that curiosity into an unforgettable experience with <strong data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"208\">Walks of Italy\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-catacombs-tour\/\"><em data-start=\"132\" data-end=\"206\">Rome Underground: Catacombs at Closing Time, Appian Way &amp; Aqueducts Tour<\/em><\/a><\/strong>. This immersive journey takes you far from the crowds and deep into Rome\u2019s hidden past, with exclusive after-hours access to the catacombs when the gates are closed to the public.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"392\" data-end=\"903\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Led by an expert guide, hear fascinating stories, and enjoy a carefully paced itinerary that removes the stress of planning, this tour offers a deeper, more meaningful way to connect with Rome\u2019s ancient soul. <strong data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"903\" data-is-last-node=\"\">If you want to see the city\u2019s most haunting and historic side, this is the ultimate underground experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Visitors could spend a lifetime seeing all the sights there is to see in Rome. But there\u2019s even more to Rome than meets the eye. To truly dive in to Rome\u2019s past is to head underground. Why? Because Rome is a city built upon a city. The remnants of ancient Rome form the skeleton of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":22562,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[149],"tags":[95,280,272,101,69,18,281],"ppma_author":[161],"class_list":["post-8731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-attractions","tag-ancient-rome","tag-catacombs","tag-colosseum","tag-culture","tag-history","tag-rome","tag-underground-rome"],"authors":[{"term_id":161,"user_id":40,"is_guest":0,"slug":"ginamussio","display_name":"Gina Mussio","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9497ce1b0417babd82886ad23b18998?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"","last_name":"Mussio","first_name":"Gina","job_title":"","description":"Gina is a Midwesterner living in Lombardy, Italy where she writes about Italian culture, travel and food. She is a bilingual primary school teacher by day, forever interested in developing cross-culture communication skills across languages. Gina loves touring Italy's beautiful and tiny borghi with her family and exploring Italy's culture through its culinary history."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8731"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8731"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8731\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25226,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8731\/revisions\/25226"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8731"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8731"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8731"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=8731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}