The Colosseum, a wonder of the modern world, tells myths and stories of the city. It is certainly the most representative symbol of imperial Rome. Few people know, however, that underneath there are enchanting small lakes with crystal-clear water. Here, in fact, a labyrinth of underground lakes has been found that run for more than two kilometres. This is a system of Roman quarries, excavated from the 4th century B.C. onwards, which develops in a sequence of halls where the vaults vary from eight metres to passages of just one and a half metres. The origin of these quarries is probably due to an aquifer that has also been fed over the centuries by water infiltration.
Although there are electrified cables within the complex route, the tunnels are thought to have been used as air-raid shelters during the Second World War, the tunnels were only discovered in the 1980s, and a complete mapping was obtained between 2004 and 2006.
• Hiking shoes are required for the visit. Alternatively, sneakers, NOT with smooth soles, a torch (not your mobile phone) and sportswear with a sweatshirt or fleece (the temperature in the caves is 16°-17°C).
• For more information on the route and timetable click here.
• How to get there from the campsite:
To go to the centre from the campsite, from the bus stop just outside the campsite you can take bus no. 246 or 247 (direction Cornelia for the 246 or Cipro Metro Station for the 247) which will take you to the Metro A stop Cornelia. From there, you can take the metro in the direction of Termini, take Metro B and get off at the Colosseo metro stop.
On the return journey, simply take the Metro B from Colosseo towards Termini and change to the Metro A, direction Battistini, to the Cornelia stop and then on the same route you can take one of the two buses mentioned above (direction Malagrotta for the 246 and Stazione Aurelia for the 247) to the supermarket stop in front of the campsite.
Alternatively, a 1 km walk from the campsite is the Roma Aurelia train stop, where you can take a train to Roma Termini.
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