Adventure Collective
Caving & History: Rome Underworld Tour by Secrets Italy - Rome

Caving & History: Rome Underworld Tour by Secrets Italy

Romemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness needed, with navigating narrow, uneven passageways.

Overview

Venture beneath Rome’s bustling streets to uncover hidden tunnels, ancient basilicas, and eerie catacombs on this private underground tour. Discover the city’s deepest secrets with expert guides and immerse yourself in its layered history.

Rome, Lazio

Rome Underworld Tour | Private

3 hrs

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About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating journey beneath Rome's surface with the "Private Rome Underworld" Tour. Discover ancient basilicas, explore intricate catacombs, and unveil the city's hidden history, all guided by an expert. Experience the thrill of descending up to 57 feet underground, revealing layers of time and remarkable artifacts.

An incredible way to discover the underground secrets of the Eternal City!

Duration

4 hours

Tour Description

Much of Rome’s history, architecture, and art are hidden Underground. Instead of destroying old buildings and monuments, Romans choose to build on top of them! Think of Rome as a multi-story building, except that most of them (and the oldest) are hidden underground and largely inaccessible. Fascinating right?

The city of Rome has been civilization's center stage for thousands of years witnessing history, epic stories of magnificence and malevolence from ancient times to modernity, and the structures that come along with it. Time has buried many of the physical remnants of generations past, but over the last few centuries, archeological excavations have been uncovering more and more of what history has left behind. Descend into dimly lit passages and explore long-lost ancient buildings and artifacts that have been buried up to 200 feet deep, whilst in the company of an expert English-speaking guide.

Join us on an unforgettable exploration of this fascinating buried world on our ""Private Rome Underworld"" Tour. The present 7th-century Basilica was built over a 4th-century Basilica, which in turn was built over 1st-century Roman construction and even a Mithraic temple! Let your expert ""Secrets Italy"" guide peel back the layers of time as you descend deeper and deeper beneath the Basilica - up to 57 feet below ground!

Our day continues with a Roman Catacombs tour exploring the labyrinth of tombs that served as a burial ground for martyrs, Christians, and even the Popes! The complex galleries, carved into the soft tufa stone characteristic of Rome, often go on for over 10 miles.

What to know

  • Roman Catacombs
  • Basilica of S. Clemente
  • Bone Church
  • Old Appian Way

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy footwear

The underground tunnels are uneven and can be slippery; sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential.

Bring a flashlight

Some areas may have limited lighting, so a small flashlight helps see the details in the dark.

Dress appropriately

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for cultural sites and for comfort underground.

Bring a water bottle

Stay hydrated during the tour, especially in confined underground spaces.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bats
  • Small urban foxes

History

The tunnels date back to Roman times and have served various purposes including religious, military, and storage uses.

Conservation

Efforts are ongoing to preserve these underground sites, balancing tourism with the need to protect fragile structures.

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Adventure Hotspots in Rome

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Sturdy shoes with good grip are vital for uneven underground terrain.

Flashlight or headlamp

Essential

Extra light source helps illuminate dark tunnels and pathways.

Light rain jacket

In case of damp conditions or unexpected weather.

fall,winter specific

Small backpack

Carry essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers.