Underground Archaeology Tour: Layers of Rome with Vicus Caprarius and Exclusive Piazza Navona Acces

Experience Rome's seamless blend of past and present
From US$502 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Vicus Caprarius
  • Rinascente Tritone
  • Stadium of Domitian
Photos & Highlights
  • Journey beneath the city’s streets and discover the hidden layers of Rome with a passionate knowledgeable expert.
  • Uncover the ancient sites below Piazza Navona in an exclusive private experience reserved just for you and your group.
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Tour Description
Ever wondered what the streets of Rome looked like in the past? How much has changed over the centuries? Rome still holds countless traces of its ancient face: some hidden in plain sight, others buried beneath the modern city.
With the guidance of an experienced archaeologist or historian-who knows where to look and what to look for-you can uncover these hidden remnants of the past. Explore ancient Roman apartments beneath a modern cinema and discover aqueducts tucked away under luxury shops. Rome’s history is made of layers, and this exclusive underground tour unveils all its secrets, granting you private access to a hidden site, reserved solely for you and your group.
Experts
Andrea Andrea
Historian
Valentina Valentina
Local Guide
Paolo Paolo
Archaeologist
Kasia Kasia
Local Guide
Philip Philip
Archaeologist
Alessandro Alessandro
Archaeologist
Cecilia Cecilia
Art Historian
Simona Simona
Archaeologist
Richard Richard
Medievalist
Giulia Giulia
Archaeologist
Flavia Flavia
Local Guide
Priscilla Priscilla
Archaeologist
Dony Dony
Art Historian
Sandro Sandro
Local Guide
Olivia Olivia
Art Historian
Liz Liz
Architect
Sarah Sarah
Professor
Dimosthenis Dimosthenis
Archaeologist
You will begin near the Trevi Fountain at Vicus Caprarius, an archaeological gem hidden beneath a modern cinema. Here, you'll explore the remains of ancient Roman apartments, gaining insight into daily life in the past, right beneath today’s bustling city.

Next, you'll visit Rinascente Tritone, a stylish department store with a hidden secret: its basement houses the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, an engineering marvel dating back to 19 BC.

As you stroll through Rome’s vibrant streets, you’ll make your way to Piazza Navona. Unbeknownst to many, even locals, this lively square sits atop the Stadium of Domitian, a vast arena that once hosted thrilling athletic contests.

You will enjoy exclusive access to a private section of the Domitian Stadium at the École Française, right in the heart of Piazza Navona. Your guide will lead you beneath the bustling square for a truly exclusive experience reserved solely for you and your group. You'll have the rare opportunity to explore this remarkably well-preserved site at your own pace, pausing to reflect, ask questions, and fully absorb the atmosphere of this evocative underground space.

This intimate journey through Rome’s layered history, guided by an experienced archeologist, offers a rare glimpse into the ancient world that lies quietly beneath the modern city.
  • You’re intrigued by the contrast between modern Rome above ground and the ancient city hidden beneath, and want to explore how these two worlds coexist.
  • You want a historian or archaeologist as your guide, bringing Rome’s past to life with expert knowledge and fascinating stories.
  • You’re looking for an exclusive experience, gaining special access to hidden sites that most visitors never even realize exist
  • Vicus Caprarius – excavated underground space showing ancient Roman apartments situated near the Trevi Fountain.
  • Rinascente Tritone – modern department store housing the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct in its basement.
  • Stadium of Domitian – ancient stadium located beneath Piazza Navona, including exclusive access to the restricted École Française site.
Tickets
  • Includes tickets to Vicus Caprarius and the Stadium of Domitian.
  • Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. Once the venue tickets are released, we will purchase them. Our team will be in touch with alternative options if we cannot secure tickets for the date and time you requested. 
Resources
  • Check out our upcoming online lectures which transport you back to Ancient Rome, accompanied by a leading Context Expert. 
  • Check out Cities of the Underworld on the History Channel; many of the guides who lead this walk were featured on this program.
Wheelchair accessibility
  • This tour may not be accessible for clients with limited mobility as it includes a lot of stairs and uneven grounds. Vicus Caprarius has only limited wheelchair-accessibility and Stadium of Domitian is not currently accessible as there are no ramps or elevators at the site and the terrain is uneven and difficult to navigate. Please inform us in case of mobility issues.
Service Dogs
  • Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need. 
  • For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
Is this walk suitable for claustrophobic clients?
You do spend much of the tour underground, although you won't visit any site that is particularly narrow or small.

What makes the École Française site on Piazza Navona special?
You’ll have exclusive access to this private section of the Stadium of Domitian. Unlike other parts of the stadium, this area is reserved solely for your group, offering an intimate look at the well-preserved ruins and their fascinating history.

Where does the tour start?
The exact itinerary may vary based on reservation times and site availability, your tour may start at Vicus Caprarius or the Stadium of Domitian. Your confirmation email will include all the details and information.
Book worry-free—review our flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
(4.67) – 453 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Giulia is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful describing all the unique historical events. Her archeology knowledge was thorough and she had an answer to every question. Thanks!
The tour was great. Paolo is so knowledgeable about the excavations and history and we learned so much from him.
Dony was excellent! He was so enthusiastic it was infectious. He also gave us some great suggestions of other places to visit.

Go Underground in Rome: Visit Vicus Caprarius and More with a Local Expert

Embark on a captivating journey beneath the bustling streets of Rome with our Rome Underground Archaeology tour. This exclusive exploration offers more than just a glimpse into the ancient city's past; it's a deep dive into the heart of Rome's hidden archaeology. Discover the Vicus Caprarius, an enchanting underground area known as the "City of Water," where history resonates through the ruins and whispers of ancient lives echo through the ages.

This personalized experience is meticulously designed to ensure an immersive journey that aligns with our dedication to educational depth, cultural immersion, and sustainable travel. Led by expert guides with specialized knowledge in archaeology and history, you are guaranteed an enlightening tour that stands apart from typical tourist outings. Visit Vicus Caprarius with a local expert and unravel the layers of history, as well as enjoy exclusive access to the subterranean wonders beneath Piazza Navona, including the impressive Domitian Stadium.

This tour not only reveals the secrets of Rome but also draws parallels with historical narratives from another of Europe's key cities, enhancing the depth and breadth of your learning experience. Whether you're a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, our Rome Underground Archaeology Tour with Vicus Caprarius and exclusive access to the Domitian Stadium promises an unforgettable adventure. Book your tour today and take the first step towards uncovering the hidden treasures of Rome.