Countless Roman structures are fascinating at surface level, but Rome is quite layered — literally. Some areas of present-day Rome actually sit on top of other ancient structures without most visitors even knowing. When you journey to a bit of underground Rome, you'll not only feel like an archaeologist, but also discover some hidden gem destinations for tourists who hate crowds. Among the underground ancient ruins open for visitors is Vicus Caprarius. This underrated historic site in Rome is located below the Trevi Fountain and its surrounding area.
The Trevi Fountain is awe-inspiringly beautiful, but so popular that it may soon demand an appointment time for entry. The crowds will thin out when you head underground and discover the well-preserved ancient Roman homes that make up Vicus Caprarius. Along with archways and brick walls, you can see pottery, coins, and other aspects of daily life in ancient Rome. While the Trevi Fountain wasn't built until the mid-1700s, its water comes from the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which engineers constructed around 1,600 years earlier. Aqua Virgo is another thing you can see when you explore Vicus Caprarius.
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Book a tour with Vicus Caprarius — La Città dell'Acqua
Cities built within the Roman Empire have long intrigued researchers. These builders created a new form of concrete strong enough to last into the 21st century, and the empire was among the earliest civilizations to have a large-scale running water system. Rome itself was the first city to reach one million residents. This is why going below street level to see remnants of Rome's domestic life is so worthwhile. Some remnants of homes included in Vicus Caprarius were apartments built after the infamous fire of 64 AD, while others date back to Europe's medieval era.
To visit these hidden underground structures, book a tour with Vicus Caprarius -- La Città dell'Acqua (The Water City or City of Water). To begin the tour, look for the door with the Vicus Caprarius - La Città dell'Acqua sign. It is located behind Harry's Bar Hotel and Restaurant, just a one-minute walk south of the Trevi Fountain. Tours are available every day except Monday. Self-guided tours are four euros, and guided tours are eight euros at the time of writing. Use the contact information on the Vicus Caprarius website to book your spots.
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