
Cisterne Romane Todi
Explore ancient Roman water cisterns beneath Todi's main square, a marvel of engineering now hosting contemporary art.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat

Cisterne Romane Todi
Best Time
Beat the midday heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Roman water cisterns beneath Todi's main square, a marvel of engineering now hosting contemporary art.
"Fascinating & quite unexpected! Well worth it!"

🎟️ Book at Tourist Office
Tickets and tour times are only available at the Todi Tourist Office. Don't miss your chance to explore!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Steep stairs and uneven surfaces require good footwear. Be ready to navigate them safely.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Twin Roman Cisterns
Under Piazza del Popolo
Discover two immense, identical Roman water tanks dating back to the 1st century BC. A testament to ancient hydraulic engineering.

Contemporary Art Installations
Within the Cisterns
Experience art installations, like those by Fabrizio Plessi, that complement the historical setting, adding a modern layer to the ancient space.

Underground Todi Exploration
Beneath Piazza del Popolo
Venture beneath the city's main square to explore a fascinating network of underground structures and learn about their historical purpose.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guided Tours are Key
Be Prepared for the Descent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book at Tourist Office
Tickets and tour times are only available at the Todi Tourist Office. Don't miss your chance to explore!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Steep stairs and uneven surfaces require good footwear. Be ready to navigate them safely.
🚶♀️ Not for Mobility Issues
The tour involves stairs and tight squeezes. Consider this if you have mobility concerns.
🖼️ Art & History Blend
Enjoy the unique combination of ancient Roman engineering and contemporary art installations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book at Tourist Office
Tickets and tour times are only available at the Todi Tourist Office. Don't miss your chance to explore!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Steep stairs and uneven surfaces require good footwear. Be ready to navigate them safely.
🚶♀️ Not for Mobility Issues
The tour involves stairs and tight squeezes. Consider this if you have mobility concerns.
🖼️ Art & History Blend
Enjoy the unique combination of ancient Roman engineering and contemporary art installations.
💰 Affordable Exploration
The guided tour is very reasonably priced, offering great value for a unique experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cisterne Romane Todi to be a fascinating and unexpected historical gem, offering a unique glimpse into Roman engineering. While the tour is relatively short and involves navigating steep stairs, the low cost and the intriguing underground experience are highly praised. The addition of contemporary art installations further enhances the appeal for many.
"It's a rather small Tour, but really fun."
Edmundo Mouet
"Fascinating & quite unexpected !
We were in search of the columns, which were in a picture.
Navigated to the very locked door.
Went over to the tourist office, they do guided tours of the underground water cisterns - amazing !
You can only go on a guided tour - we are seniors, cost us €3 each (I think !). Well worth it !
BTW ... the pictured Roman columns don't exist !"
Alison Leck
"Very interesting. Highly recommend."
AdagioUmbro Spoleto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cisterne Romane are located directly beneath the Piazza del Popolo in Todi. You'll need to reach Todi first, which is accessible by car or public transport. Once in Todi, head to the main square, and the tourist office is nearby where you'll book your tour.
Parking in the historic center of Todi can be challenging. It's recommended to use one of the public parking lots located outside the city walls and walk or take a shuttle bus into the center.
No, independent visits are not permitted. You can only access the Cisterne Romane through a guided tour booked at the Todi Tourist Office.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, typically around €2-€3 per person for the guided tour. It's a small price for a fascinating historical experience.
Tickets and tour bookings must be made at the Todi Tourist Office, located near the Piazza del Popolo. They manage all the tour schedules.
Tour times are set and managed by the tourist office. It's best to check directly with the Todi Tourist Office for the most current schedule, as they can vary.
While not always strictly necessary, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is advisable to secure your preferred tour time. Check with the tourist office for their recommendation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour takes you through two large, ancient Roman water cisterns. You'll learn about their construction and historical use, and see how they've been preserved. Some sections involve steep stairs and narrow passages.
The tour can be engaging for older children who are interested in history and engineering. However, the steep stairs and tight spaces might be challenging for very young children or those who are easily scared.
The guided tour typically lasts around 30-45 minutes, providing a concise yet informative exploration of the cisterns.
Due to the historical nature of the site, with steep stairs and narrow passages, it is not easily accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.
Photography is generally allowed inside the cisterns, but be mindful of your surroundings and the group. The unique atmosphere makes for great shots.
📸 📸 Photography
The interplay of light and shadow within the ancient stone structures is very photogenic. Capture the scale of the cisterns and any art installations present.
It can be quite dim inside the cisterns, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful for capturing detailed shots.
Yes, photography of the contemporary art installations, such as those by Fabrizio Plessi, is usually permitted and adds a unique dimension to your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
🎨 Art Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Roman Cisterns
The cisterns are characterized by their vaulted ceilings and interconnected chambers, separated by perforated walls that allowed water to flow between them. This system was crucial for maintaining water quality and managing supply. Exploring these underground spaces offers a tangible connection to the daily lives and infrastructure of ancient Todi, providing a unique glimpse into the past that goes beyond typical surface-level sightseeing.
Visitors can only access these historical wonders through guided tours, which provide context and historical insights. The tours often highlight the ingenuity of the design and the importance of these structures to the city's survival and prosperity. It's a fascinating journey into Todi's subterranean history.
Art and History: A Unique Fusion
These art installations often interact with the environment of the cisterns, utilizing the natural acoustics and the dramatic lighting to enhance the viewer's perception. The juxtaposition of sleek, modern art against the rough, ancient stone creates a powerful visual and sensory experience. It's a testament to how historical sites can be revitalized and given new life through creative programming.
Events like the Festa della Musica have also utilized the cisterns, hosting concerts that leverage the unique ambiance of the underground venue. This demonstrates the versatility of the space and its potential for cultural events beyond static art displays.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit