{"id":22647,"date":"2017-04-09T19:00:16","date_gmt":"2017-04-09T19:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=22647"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:01:59","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:01:59","slug":"underground-treasures-beneath-surface-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/underground-treasures-beneath-surface-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"Underground treasures beneath the surface of Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"

It should come as no surprise that Rome has plenty of secrets buried just below its surface. While there are plenty of things to do in Rome<\/a> in the light of day, heading underground gives you a whole new perspective on the past of the Eternal City. Delve into the weird and wonderful hidden gems of Rome on these adventures designed to introduce you to the Italian capital\u2019s subterranean attractions. From the seedy and the spooky to the ancient and awe-inspiring, there\u2019s more to Roma than meets the eye.<\/p>\n

The Colosseum\u2019s Arena Floor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Arena<\/p>\n

The massive and imposing Colosseum once drew crowds in the tens of thousands, who came to watch elaborate staged sea battles, dramatic gladiator fights, and spectacular performances within its stone arena. With City Wonders, you can make your way to this ancient structure at night, after the daytime crowds have departed. Go beneath the arena<\/a> floor, exploring the tunnels where gladiators waited for the roar of the crowds to welcome them to battle above and the stone passageways where wild animals like lions and tigers once stalked. They can also take you during the day, guiding you through the gladiator\u2019s entrance and teaching you all about the engineering of this complex ancient theater during an express tour<\/a>. You\u2019ll be amazed at what the Romans were able to build.<\/p>\n

Imperial Palace of Augustus Caesar<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Underground<\/p>\n

Beyond the crowds snapping photos on Palatine Hill, far beneath the city streets, lies one of Rome\u2019s most fascinating ruins\u2014the first-century palace of Augustus Caesar, Rome\u2019s first emperor. With Walks of Italy, you can step into the palace complex<\/a> with a small group to explore an ancient treasure that until recently was only open to archaeologists and historians. Study decorative features and frescoes that bear witness to the complex\u2019s one-time opulence, and walk through the House of Livia\u2014Augustus Caesar\u2019s wife\u2014as well.<\/p>\n

Christian Catacombs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Underground<\/p>\n

With the Vatican in the heart of the city and St. Peter\u2019s Basilica dominating the skyline of Rome\u2019s historic center, it\u2019s hard to imagine a time when Christians in Rome were forced to worship in secret. The Christian catacombs\u2014excavated beginning in the second century\u2014were used for discreet worship, religious ceremonies, and (of course) burials. With Carrani Tours, you can spend a full day exploring Rome\u2019s archaeological sites<\/a>, stop for a delicious Italian lunch, and then venture to the Appian Way to descend into the catacombs. Follow your guide through the maze-like, secret cemeteries to spot amazing ancient artwork and learn about the early days of Christianity in Rome.<\/p>\n

Capuchin Crypt & Basilica San Clemente<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Group<\/p>\n

Venture deep into the secrets of the Eternal City at the Capuchin Crypt\u2014better known as the Bone Chapel. With vertebrae used as chandeliers, full skeletons hanging from the walls, and skulls adorning every surface, this little chapel is as macabre (but intriguing) as they come. With City Wonders, you can combine an exploration<\/a> of several of Rome\u2019s underground sites, including the Bone Chapel, the catacombs, and the Basilica San Clemente, where successive structures were built atop a first century foundation, long-crumbled churches, and even traces of ancient Roman structures that burned in Nero\u2019s Great Fire back in 64 AD. If you want to extend the adventure into the evening, City Wonders also offers a combo tour<\/a> that follows up your underground exploration with an after-dark peek at the darker side of the city.<\/p>\n

What secrets will you unearth during your excavation of Rome?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With its vast archaeological zones and millennia worth of history, much of Rome’s history lies below<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":22650,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1809,1782,1778,1875,1780,1788,1846,1793],"tags":[],"authors":[2233],"class_list":["post-22647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-destinations","category-features","category-history","category-inspiration","category-interests","category-rome","category-things-to-do","authors-expedia-local-expert","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nUnderground treasures beneath the surface of Rome | Expedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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