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Cisterne Romane Todi

4
·31 reviews·Todi, Italy

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-morning tours

Beat the midday heat

CrowdLow
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basilica di superga

Cisterne Romane Todi

Best Time

Mid-morning tours

Beat the midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4
(31 reviews)

"Fascinating & quite unexpected! Well worth it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Twin Roman Cisterns

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Guided Tours are Key

Access to the Cisterne Romane is exclusively via guided tours booked at the Todi Tourist Office. Plan your visit around their set times to avoid disappointment. It's a small fee, but essential for exploring this underground marvel.

Be Prepared for the Descent

Exploring the cisterns involves navigating steep stairs and potentially tight spaces. While the experience is rewarding, it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven terrain.

Best Times

When
Mid-morning tours
Why
Beat the midday heat
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Less crowded than peak
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Immagina di avere tre giganti dormienti sotto il suolo della tua città — due vasche immense, identiche, segrete… beh, sono le Cisterne Romane di Todi. Due strutture gemelle, nate nella seconda metà del I secolo a.C., quando Todi diventò colonia romana. Si estendono sotto il lato est e ovest della Piazza del Popolo, nei pressi di palazzo del Capitano e del Priori. Quelle del lato est non sono vis...
tourplussc
0 likes • 4.7K views

🎟️ Book at Tourist Office

Tickets and tour times are only available at the Todi Tourist Office. Don't miss your chance to explore! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Steep stairs and uneven surfaces require good footwear. Be ready to navigate them safely. Reddit

🎷Festa della Musica di Todi 🎻 Concerto alle Cisterne Romane “Arie di Opera Lirica” Natalia Quiroga Romero, soprano. Gustavo Vita, basso.
museiditodi
11 likes • 357 views
Todi, l'arte di Fabrizio Plessi e la storia delle cisterne romane
gilberto.santucci
4 likes • 241 views

🚶‍♀️ Not for Mobility Issues

The tour involves stairs and tight squeezes. Consider this if you have mobility concerns. Reddit

🖼️ Art & History Blend

Enjoy the unique combination of ancient Roman engineering and contemporary art installations. Instagram+1

Le opere di Fabrizio Plessi vi aspettano alle Cisterne Romane di Todi
comuneditodi
15 likes • 544 views

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! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Steep stairs and uneven surfaces require good footwear. Be ready to navigate them safely. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Not for Mobility Issues

The tour involves stairs and tight squeezes. Consider this if you have mobility concerns. Reddit

🖼️ Art & History Blend

Enjoy the unique combination of ancient Roman engineering and contemporary art installations. Instagram+1

💰 Affordable Exploration

The guided tour is very reasonably priced, offering great value for a unique experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(31 reviews)

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

Fascinating Roman engineering
Unexpected underground discovery
Affordable guided tour

What People Dislike

Steep stairs and tight spaces
Short tour duration

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

No, independent visits are not permitted. You can only access the Cisterne Romane through a guided tour booked at the Todi Tourist Office. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Tickets and tour bookings must be made at the Todi Tourist Office, located near the Piazza del Popolo. They manage all the tour schedules. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The guided tour typically lasts around 30-45 minutes, providing a concise yet informative exploration of the cisterns. Reddit

Due to the historical nature of the site, with steep stairs and narrow passages, it is not easily accessible for individuals with mobility impairments. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed inside the cisterns, but be mindful of your surroundings and the group. The unique atmosphere makes for great shots. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Yes, photography of the contemporary art installations, such as those by Fabrizio Plessi, is usually permitted and adds a unique dimension to your photos. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cisterne Romane Todi offer a unique adventure for families, especially older children who enjoy history and a sense of discovery. The idea of exploring underground chambers can be very exciting. However, parents should be aware that the tour involves navigating steep stairs and potentially tight passages, which might be challenging for very young children or those who are easily apprehensive. It's a good idea to gauge your child's comfort level with such environments before booking. The guided tour format ensures a structured and informative experience, making it more engaging for curious young minds. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by Roman history and engineering, the Cisterne Romane Todi are a must-visit. These well-preserved structures offer a direct look at the sophisticated water management systems of the Roman era. The sheer scale and the architectural integrity of the twin cisterns are impressive, showcasing the advanced techniques used in their construction. The guided tour provides detailed historical context, making it an enriching experience for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and their lasting legacies. TikTokReddit

🎨 Art Lovers

The Cisterne Romane Todi provide a captivating backdrop for contemporary art. If you appreciate how art can interact with historical spaces, you'll find the exhibitions here particularly compelling. The contrast between modern artistic expressions and the ancient Roman architecture creates a unique and thought-provoking atmosphere. Keep an eye out for current exhibitions, as they often transform the cisterns into dynamic galleries, offering a fresh perspective on both art and history. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel of Roman Cisterns

The Cisterne Romane Todi are a remarkable example of Roman hydraulic engineering, built in the second half of the 1st century BC when Todi was a Roman colony. These twin structures, located beneath the east and west sides of Piazza del Popolo, were designed to collect and store rainwater, ensuring a vital water supply for the growing city. Their immense size and sophisticated construction highlight the advanced capabilities of Roman engineers.

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. TikTokReddit

Art and History: A Unique Fusion

In recent years, the Cisterne Romane Todi have become a unique venue for contemporary art exhibitions. Artists like Fabrizio Plessi have showcased their works within these ancient spaces, creating a striking contrast between the old and the new. This fusion of historical architecture and modern art offers a multi-layered experience for visitors, prompting reflection on the passage of time and the enduring human drive for expression.

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. Instagram+3

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