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 village:
To get there from the village, you can take bus no. 709 or no. 070 (daily from 06:30 to 23:30, departures every 20/25 minutes approx.), at the bus stop about 200 metres from the campsite exit left (cross the road at the traffic lights) to the EUR FERMI metro station. From here take the metro line B (06:00 to 23:30) to the Colosseo metro stop.
Alternatively, you can take bus 013(D) (from 06:30 to 20:00, departure every 20/25 minutes approx.) from the supermarket about 1 km from our campsite (exit on the right) to the 'CASAL BERNOCCHI' train station. From the station, you can take the train and get off at the "OSTIENSE/PIRAMIDE" station (from 06:00 to 23:30, departure every 15 minutes approximately) and from there take the metro line B (from 06:00 to 23:30) to the Colosseo metro stop.
On the way back, simply take metro line B towards LAURENTINA (06:00 to 23:30) and get off at EUR FERMI station. This station is also the terminus of the 070 and 709 buses (from 06:30 to 23:30, departing approximately every 20/25 minutes). You can take one of these buses and get off at the MALAFEDE stop, which is about 200 metres from our village.
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