The subsoil of the capital continues to reveal its hidden treasures: a little known goal of underground passages hidden under the Capitol will soon be open to the public. These are the so -called Grottoni del Campidoglio, a labyrinthine complex of tunnel and cavities that crosses the hill on several levels and in different directions, which have remained inaccessible to the public for more than a century.
The aim of the project is to enhance the cavities of the Capitol through a punctual study of characteristics and use of them in the different historical eras and, at the same time, to make them safe and expand its usability in order to store archaeological material and open new visit paths to the public, also for the disabled.
Millennia of underground history
The history of these underground environments has its roots on millennia of urban stratifications. From the nineteenth century, these spaces have taken on multiple functions: tuff extraction quarries, water collection cisterns, cellars, taverns and even lively underground markets. During the Second World War, some sections were transformed into anti -aircraft shelters, complete with armored doors and toilets still marked by the word “Cabinet”.
The closure of these environments dates back to the 1920s, when Benito Mussolini ordered the tunnel sealing for urban safety reasons. Since then, the complex has remained in a state of abandonment that has paradoxically contributed to its conservation.
The restoration and reopening project
Thanks to an imposing 2.5 million euro restoration project financed by the PNRR, the tunnels should reopen to the public between the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027
The environmental conditions within Grottoni have remained almost unchanged over time. About 23 meters underground, the galleries maintain a constant temperature of 13 °, for what is configured as a future natural refuge with a Roman summer heat. At the deepest point, the complex immerses itself for almost 300 meters below the surface, overcoming the depth of most of the city subway tunnels.
The ongoing archaeological research is bringing to light daily discoveries of extraordinary historical value. Among the emerged finds there are marble foundations of the temple of Jupiter Capitoline, ancient metal rings used to tie the animals and terracotta vases that probably contained wine and olive oil. The finds testify to the continuity of use of these spaces through the different historical periods.
Particularly suggestive is the literary connection with the past: it is believed that in one of these underground taverns, in the eighties of the eighteenth century, the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe fell in love with a tavern, experience that he would then immortalize in his famous “journey to Italy”.
A museum of the future in the ancient heart of Rome
The works planned include a part of historical-archaeological enhancement and a building and plant engineering part, with particular attention to safety. Laser scans are being installed for the three -dimensional survey of the environments, structural reinforcements and specific ventilation systems for the control of radon gas. Specialized air filters and a guided access system will guarantee both the safety of visitors and the conservation of the fragile underground ecosystem.
Upon opening, the complex will host permanent museum exhibitions, exhibitions of finds recovered from the previous excavations and, probably, materials from the archives of the Capitoline Museums. The project also provides for the installation of accessible paths for people with disabilities and multilingual guided tours.
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