Roman quarry of the Appia Antica

Rome's largest underground path stretches for over 1.5 km beneath one of the most beautiful and fascinating parks in the city—the Appia Antica Park.

Visitors, guided by speleo-archaeological experts, can explore on foot or by bicycle some of the city's most extraordinary hypogea:

The Roman Quarry
From the Imperial age until 1900, the bowels of the hill were dug out by hand to extract pozzolana, a key ingredient in the production of concrete. Endless labyrinths of tunnels extend into the subsoil, leading to an indescribable universe.

The mushroom farm

Towards the end of the 19th century, a method for cultivating certain mushrooms was discovered. Thanks to its constant, ideal temperature, the quarry began to be used for this purpose. Along the path, you can admire the hundreds of bags, tractors, and cultivation systems that were in use until very recently.

The Mithraeum
Mithraism was an ancient religious cult that Christianity (its main religious competitor) eventually replaced, absorbing some of its characteristics and beliefs. In a scientifically reconstructed Mithraeum, visitors can explore these themes in depth, discovering that even modern customs, such as the celebration of Christmas, have deep roots linked to this cult.

The Air-Raid Shelter
During the Second World War, the civilian population had to adapt to seeking shelter from the bombs, under the illusion that the underground could be a safe place. You can enter a public air-raid shelter, discovering its unique features and characteristics, and immersing yourself in a reality that is both terrifyingly close and, at the same time, fascinating.

The Catacombs
During its development, the quarry uncovered several catacomb complexes (at least three are present within it), associated with Christian cemeteries dating back to the 3rd century AD.