Piazza Navona with Underground, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain Walking Tour

Experience the eternal city like never before with our expertly crafted Underground and Piazzas Tour in Rome. Dive into the fascinating history of Rome’s hidden underground sites and marvel at the stunning architecture of its famous piazzas. Our knowledgeable archaeologist guides are ready to share the secrets of Rome’s subterranean world and answer all your questions.

A Glimpse of Rome’s Underground Treasures

Piazza Navona: Unearthing the Stadium of Domitian

Begin your adventure in the captivating Piazza Navona, a must-see destination known for its artistic treasures and vibrant atmosphere. Admire the three mesmerizing fountains, including Bernini’s masterpiece, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, before descending into the ancient world hidden beneath the square.

Explore the remains of the Stadium of Domitian, an athletic arena that once hosted gladiatorial shows after a fire damaged the Colosseum. Experience the echoes of Rome’s past as you walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans.

Piazza Navona is a jewel of the Roman Baroque. Its name probably derives from “agone” (“nagone’/navone”) that is to say “gara, gioco” (“race, game”) referring to the naval battles that took place when the square had a concave bottom which was artificially flooded for naval games. The beautifully shaped square was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian.of which it has kept the form. The two greatest Baroque geniuses meet in Piazza Navona: Gian Lorenzo Bernini, creator of the Fountain of the Four Rivers (the Ganges, Nile, Danube and Plate), and Francesco Borromini, architect of the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, unusual because of its splendid concave fagade (inside, a 17th century innovation: over the altars, instead of paintings, there are a series of marble bas-reliefs).

Piazza Navona with Underground, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain Walking Tour

Besides the other two other fountains, that of Neptune and that of the Moro (Moor), splendid palaces adorn the square: the Palazzo Pamphili, planned by the Roman architect Girolamo Rainaldi for the Pamphili family, patron of tfie entire square, and in one corner the Palazzo Braschi, built at the end of the 18th century by Cosimo Morelli.

The oldest building in the square is the Church of Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore in front of the Palazzo Pamphili. It is a work of the 15th century that contains treasures such as: the Choir-Stall and the Chapel of St. James by Antonio da San Gallo the Younger. Nearby in the Church of Saint Luigi dei Francesi, some of the fundamental masterpieces of Italian art can be admired: the three large canvasses by Caravaggio, highest examples of painting after Michelangelo, dating from the end of the 16th century: the Calling of St. Matthew, the Martyrdom of Matthew and St. Mathew and the Angel.

Caravaggio’s paintings stand out for their innovative and disturbing realism, and for the unusual use of light, even in his own day so much so that the last of these three paintings was deemed unfit for a church because St. Matthew appears as a tired old man with dirty feet.

Pantheon: Rome’s Ancient Temple of the Gods

Next, head to the Pantheon, the iconic temple dedicated to all the gods of Rome. This architectural marvel has stood for nearly 2,000 years, leaving visitors awestruck by its grandeur and well-preserved state. Learn about the legends surrounding the Pantheon, such as the story of Rome’s founder, Romulus, being carried away by an eagle upon his death.

Agrippa’s Pantheon

Secret Bath of Neptune: A Sanctuary for the Sea God

Discover the hidden Basilica of Neptune, a stunning tribute to the Roman god of the sea. Built by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, this remarkable site offers a unique insight into the religious practices and artistic achievements of the ancient Romans.

Rome’s Enchanting Piazzas: Fountains, Legends, and Traditions

Trevi Fountain: Rome’s Iconic Water Spectacle

No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at the Trevi Fountain, the largest and most famous Baroque fountain in the city. Toss a coin into the water, as tradition dictates, and ensure your return to Rome in the future.

Vicus Caprarius: The Subterranean City of Water

Delve deep into the Vicus Caprarius, a hidden labyrinth known as the City of Water. Here, you’ll uncover a wealth of ancient remains, from an imperial-era domus to the Aqua Virgo aqueduct’s castellum aquae. This immersive experience will transport you back in time, offering a rare glimpse into the daily life and ingenuity of Rome’s ancient inhabitants.

Embark on this unforgettable journey through Rome’s subterranean wonders and iconic piazzas, guided by our experienced archaeologist team. Secure your spot today and prepare for an awe-inspiring adventure into the heart of Rome’s hidden past.