Coins, amphoras, ruins, and cistern: Rome underground

Just a few steps from the majestic Trevi Fountain, known the world over for its Baroque grandeur and the tradition of tossing a coin to ensure a return to Rome, lies an archaeological treasure of immense value: the Trevi Fountain Underground, or ‘City of Water’. This underground site offers a unique journey through the historical layers of the city, revealing the secrets of Imperial, Medieval and Renaissance Rome. If you want to take an exclusive tour of Rome, venture on our Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain Underground Tour.

Trevi Fountain Underground: the ruins of the houses of Ancient Rome

In the heart of the Trevi Fountain Underground, some 9 metres below the current level of the city, the remains of Roman domus emerge that tell us surprising aspects of daily life almost two thousand years ago. These richly decorated dwellings were not simply living spaces, but real social and cultural microcosms, reflecting the complexity of Roman society and the skill of its architects and artists.  

The domus discovered in the Trevi Fountain Underground probably belonged to members of the middle or upper classes of ancient Rome, as their interior decoration and structural complexity suggest. These buildings feature elements typical of Roman dwellings, such as: a large central space, often with an impluvium, a basin to collect rainwater that acted as the true heart of the house; small bedrooms were also arranged around the central space, and were essential yet decorated with lively frescoes, reflecting mythological, naturalistic or geometric scenes; the last fundamental space was the dining room, where elaborate banquets and dinners were held, the centre of Roman social life. The walls of these domus were often covered with Pompeian-style frescoes, while the floors displayed intricate mosaics combining geometric and figurative elements, sometimes with marine, plant or mythological motifs.  

The techniques used to decorate the domus were an example of the refined taste of the time and the skill of Roman craftsmen. The mosaics discovered, made of coloured marble tesserae and glass, demonstrate the attention to detail and the desire to turn every element of the dwelling into a work of art. The wall paintings, executed with natural pigments, varied from pastel shades to bright colours such as Pompeian red and yellow ochre, creating a lively and meaningful atmosphere. Sculptures and ornamental fragments, often in marble, adorned the courtyards and main halls. These elements had not only a decorative function but also a cultural value, showing the owner's erudition and aesthetic taste.  

The aqueduct cistern: everyday life around water

The term ‘City of Water’, currently used to define the archaeological area of Trevi Fountain Underground, is however due to the element that undoubtedly characterises the site the most. In the 2nd century A.D., a large water reservoir was in fact built in part of the building complex, the Castellum Aquae, the water heart of the Vicus Caprarius, a cistern that served to store water from the nearby Acquedotto Vergine. This tank, fed by the Acquedotto Vergine, collected and distributed water to the baths and public fountains in the area, including the site now occupied by the Trevi Fountain. Built in 19 B.C. by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, the right-hand man of Emperor Augustus, the aqueduct carried pure water from the springs of Salone to the centre of Rome, a work of engineering still functioning after more than two thousand years.

Water, in imperial Rome, was not only a vital element for survival: it was an engine of civilisation and a symbol of prestige. The Castellum Aquae, as an integral part of this system, had the task of distributing water to neighbouring buildings, baths, public fountains and even the private homes of the wealthy. This distribution network was not random: the availability and access to water reflected the social rank of the inhabitants. The more privileged citizens enjoyed direct access, while the lower classes relied on public fountains, often located in the squares and markets.  

The importance of water in ancient society

Water management was one of the highest expressions of Roman organisational capacity. Specialised officials were in charge of the maintenance of the aqueducts and castella aquarum, while labourers and slaves ensured the daily operation of the network. This hierarchical system shows how water was considered a precious resource, to be preserved and enhanced for the collective good. Public fountains, fed by structures such as the Castellum Aquae, were not only supply points but also places for socialising. Here citizens would meet, discuss and weave relationships, transforming water into an aggregating element and symbol of community.  

Rome evidences' over the centuries in the basement of the Trevi Fountain

The Vicus Caprarius does not just tell the story of ancient Rome: its structures and artefacts reflect the transformations the city underwent over the centuries. Indeed, during the Middle Ages, the ancient buildings were adapted to warehouses and shops, reflecting the changing urban needs. During the Renaissance, however, the area returned to centre stage thanks to the artistic and architectural works that would define the modern face of the Trevi Fountain.  

Rome's trade relations through underground ceramics and coins

During the excavations, numerous artefacts were found, now on display at the site, that tell the story of the daily life of the ancient Romans. Together, the coins, ceramics and amphorae form a veritable mosaic of life in ancient Rome. Each object, however small or fragmented, tells a part of a larger story: that of a city at the centre of the world, where culture, trade and politics were intertwined in an extraordinary balance.  

The coins found at the Trevi Fountain Underground site are a unique window into the economy and daily life of ancient Rome. Each coin tells a story: from imperial politics to the circulation of goods and ideas throughout the Empire. Many of these coins, minted in different epochs, bear the effigy of the emperors, accompanied by Latin inscriptions proclaiming their military victories or the benefits offered to the people. Coins were not only economic instruments, but also real means of propaganda. For instance, a coin with the effigy of Augustus could celebrate the Pax Romana, the period of peace and prosperity that the Empire experienced under his reign.

Other coins found at the site testify to the commercial network that connected Rome to the more remote provinces: some bear symbols or inscriptions linked to regions such as Egypt, Greece or Hispania, a sign of imports and cultural links with other parts of the ancient world. The presence of different coins in the Vicus Caprarius also suggests the density and demographic diversity of the area, where merchants, craftsmen and citizens from all walks of life met to exchange goods and ideas.  

The ceramic artefacts found at the site represent one of the most interesting elements for understanding everyday life in imperial Rome. These are fragments of crockery, plates and containers used in homes, often decorated with simple or geometric motifs. These objects were not only functional, but also evidence of a refined lifestyle, in which even everyday details reflected aesthetic attention.

This pottery was widespread throughout the Empire, a perfect example of Roman mass production and its ability to export goods everywhere. The fragments found reveal how the Romans were adept at using high quality materials to create durable and functional objects. Many of these pieces are decorated with engravings depicting scenes of everyday life, deities or plant motifs, offering insight not only into culinary practices, but also into the aesthetic tastes of the time.

In addition, the terracotta amphorae found at the Trevi Fountain Underground have distinctive marks indicating their provenance and contents. Some bear trademarks or inscriptions that make it possible to trace trade routes: many come from the Mediterranean coast, such as North Africa or Spain, regions famous for the production of high-quality oil and wine. These artefacts show how Rome was at the centre of a vast trade network involving the entire Mediterranean basin.

The magic of Trevi underground atmosphere

In addition to the historical treasures, what makes the Trevi Fountain Underground a unique experience is the atmosphere. Soft lighting highlights the architectural details, while the sound of flowing water creates a direct link with the ancient water system. This evocative environment allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the Rome of yesteryear. Every layer, every wall and every artefact tells a story. From the luxury of the imperial domus to the practicality of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance celebration of the eternal city, the site represents a microcosm of Rome's history.