Cryptoporticus of the Forum
Step back in time in this cool, underground Roman gallery, a well-preserved glimpse into ancient life and a refreshing escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cool escape from the heat
Cryptoporticus of the Forum
Best Time
Cool escape from the heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time in this cool, underground Roman gallery, a well-preserved glimpse into ancient life and a refreshing escape.
"A fantastic experience, the sight and the history hidden underground!"
Cool Down Underground
Perfect spot to escape the heat! It's a welcome, cool respite from the sun. :snowflake:
Multi-Site Ticket Value
Your ticket includes entry to other sites, offering great value for your money. :euro:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Roman Gallery
Underground Forum
Explore a remarkably preserved two-story Roman gallery, once supporting the forum and storing food.
Immersive Historical Film
Inside the Cryptoporticus
Watch a well-made film that vividly reconstructs the ancient forum and its surroundings.
Mysterious Underground Corridor
Main passage
Walk through a long, atmospheric corridor that transports you back to the 1st century AD.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat Underground
Value-Packed Ticket
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cool Down Underground
Perfect spot to escape the heat! It's a welcome, cool respite from the sun. :snowflake:
Multi-Site Ticket Value
Your ticket includes entry to other sites, offering great value for your money. :euro:
Watch the Illustrative Film
Don't miss the well-made film that brings the ancient forum to life. :movie_camera:
Imagine Ancient Life
Take your time to walk through and visualize how people lived here in the 1st century AD. :thinking_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
Cool Down Underground
Perfect spot to escape the heat! It's a welcome, cool respite from the sun. :snowflake:
Multi-Site Ticket Value
Your ticket includes entry to other sites, offering great value for your money. :euro:
Watch the Illustrative Film
Don't miss the well-made film that brings the ancient forum to life. :movie_camera:
Imagine Ancient Life
Take your time to walk through and visualize how people lived here in the 1st century AD. :thinking_face:
Check for Free Entry
One visitor mentioned it was free on a Wednesday. Worth checking! :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cryptoporticus of the Forum to be a well-preserved and historically significant underground Roman gallery, offering a cool and atmospheric escape from the heat. The accompanying film is praised for its ability to bring the ancient site to life, and the ticket's value, often including access to other sites, is a major plus. Some visitors noted a lack of English guides, but the film generally compensates for this.
"Interesting to see this and it was a welcome break from the heat outside. We sat and listened to the film. It was interesting to hear their take on what the area would've looked like. The site now is very well looked after. The day we went, there were only a couple of other visitors. The ticket entry also includes entry to several other sites, so well worth the €5"
Zena Rowles
"Fantastic experience, the sight and the history hidden underground😍Imagine how it were once upon a time 😲"
Annette Ersgaard
"Hello 👋 It seems a long corridor mysterious, with music,you feeling emerged in a ancient era . By the way, that day was free ( it was a Wednesday,I don't know the very reason why)"
sarna badam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cryptoporticus is often part of a larger archaeological site. Check local maps for its specific location within the forum area. Public transport or walking are usually the best options if it's in a city center.
Parking availability will depend on the specific city and its proximity to the forum. City center parking can be limited and expensive, so public transport is often recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can vary, but one review mentioned a ticket price of around €5 that includes access to several other sites, making it excellent value.
One visitor reported that it was free to enter on a Wednesday, though this may not be a regular occurrence. It's always best to check the official website or inquire locally.
Opening hours typically align with the main archaeological site or museum it's part of. It's advisable to check the official hours before your visit, especially during off-season or holidays.
Many archaeological sites offer online ticket purchasing to save time. Check the official website for the forum or associated museum for booking options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a well-preserved, cool, and mysterious underground Roman gallery. It's a long corridor that offers a unique historical atmosphere.
While one review mentioned no English guide was available, there is an illustrative film playing on loop in both Italian and English that helps explain the site's history. +1
A slow walk through the cryptoporticus, including watching the film, can take about 30-60 minutes. It's a relatively quick but impactful visit.
Being an underground Roman structure, accessibility might be limited. It's best to inquire directly with the site management about specific accessibility features.
Take your time to walk through the corridor, absorb the atmosphere, and watch the informative film to fully appreciate its historical significance.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in most historical sites. However, always check for any specific 'no photo' signs, especially near artifacts or during film screenings.
The long, atmospheric corridor itself makes for striking photos. The interplay of light and shadow can create dramatic shots.
Yes, it is an underground structure, so it can be quite dim. You might need to use a higher ISO or a tripod for clearer shots, or rely on the ambient lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring a stroller if needed, but be aware that underground structures may have uneven surfaces. The relatively short visit time makes it manageable for children with shorter attention spans. Consider using a translation app if the film's language isn't ideal for your family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Prioritize visiting this site as part of a multi-attraction ticket. Pack your own water and snacks to save on on-site purchases. Research public transport options to minimize travel costs to the forum area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roman Forum and its Underground
Visitors often describe the experience as stepping back in time. The long, mysterious corridor, enhanced by atmospheric music and an illustrative film, allows you to visualize how the bustling forum might have looked and felt. The film, available in multiple languages, is particularly praised for its effectiveness in bringing the ancient site to life.
This underground marvel is not just a historical relic but also a welcome escape from the elements. On hot summer days, its cool interior provides a refreshing break, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Roman ruins. The ticket often includes access to other nearby archaeological sites, adding significant value to the visit.
Understanding the Cryptoporticus
Travelers often remark on the sense of mystery and history that pervades the cryptoporticus. The cool, dim environment and the echoes of the past create an immersive experience. The site is generally well-maintained, ensuring that visitors can explore it comfortably and safely.
For those interested in Roman history, the cryptoporticus offers a unique perspective. It’s a chance to see the foundational elements of a Roman city and to appreciate the infrastructure that supported public life centuries ago. The accompanying film further enhances this understanding by providing visual context.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit