Smithsonian Podcast: There's More to That

May 15, 2025 | 21:34

The Joys of Discovering the Roman Underground, From the Colosseum to What’s Beneath the Trevi Foundation

This summer is a Jubilee Year in Rome, so the city will be more packed than ever. But below the traffic jams and bustle of pedestrians in the streets of Rome lie its subterranean sites, which include ancient aqueducts, pagan shrines and even apartment complexes built centuries ago. While tourists pound the pavement visiting the iconic landmarks aboveground, explorers can search beneath the streets of the Eternal City for a different perspective on ancient—and modern—Roman life. Host Ari Daniel speaks with Smithsonian contributing writer Tony Perrottet about Rome’s underworld—the city lurking beneath the city—and he offers numerous tips to listeners who want to explore these fascinating and tranquil sites for themselves.

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