Vicus Caprarius, the City of Water under the Trevi Fountain in Rome

 

 

 

the underground city Vicus Caprarious

 

 

 

The Vicus Caprarius is one of Rome's most famous hidden historical landmarks. Located underground a few meters away from the iconic Trevi Fountain, this area represents the remains of an ancient Roman neighborhood and is famous for its intricate network of tunnels and aqueducts and it is Vicus Caprarius, known as the City of Water.

Key takeaway

Vicus Caprarius

 It is an old  Roman site located beneath the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Here are some key takeawayabout it:

Historical Significance:

 Known as the "City of Water," Vicus Caprarius was an important aqueduct hub in ancient Rome, providing water to the surrounding areas.

Archaeological Findings: 

Excavations have uncovered ruins of houses, streets, and water systems, revealing insights into daily life in ancient Rome.

 

 

Water Infrastructure:

 The site showcases the advanced engineering of Roman aqueducts and fountains, highlighting the significance of water in urban planning.

Visiting Vicus Caprarius:

It's accessible to the public through guided tours, offering a glimpse into the city's historical waterworks.

Cultural Impact: 

The connection to the Trevi Fountain enhances its cultural significance, as the fountain itself is a major tourist attraction.

Vicos Caprario landmarks

Historical architecture

The neighborhood is characterized by its old buildings and narrow stone-paved alleys, giving visitors a sense of history.

Museums and galleries:

It contains a group of museums that display Roman art and history. 

Restaurants and Cafes:

There are many dining options, where visitors can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine.

Cultural atmosphere:

The place is considered a meeting point for artists and intellectuals, which gives it a special artistic character.

History of Ficus Caprario

The origins of Vicus Caprario date back to the 1st century BC, when it was used as a residential and commercial area. The area is believed to have been a lively area, with many houses and shops, as well as an advanced water distribution system.

It is an archaeological site located in the heart of Rome, and is considered one of the most important sites dating back to the Roman era. It dates back to the first century AD.

 

 

Historical description of the place

Following the catastrophic fire of 64 AD, Emperor Nero’s new vision for the city led to the construction of a multi-storey residential building (island) on the site.

This multi-family building was a precursor to modern, high-density living. In the 4th century it was converted into a luxury home (domus), with the ground floor reused for sanitary facilities. The building featured decorated walls and marble-clad staircases, and the main floor was likely used for social gatherings, as evidenced by the discovery of a large floor mosaic.

How important has the site been during Rome’s history?

Ancient Rome was divided into 14 Regiones, or neighborhoods. The site of Vicus Caprarius was included in the VII Regio, rising along the ancient Via Salaria Vetus. Together with Via Lata it was one of the two main roads in the district. The structures found in the Vicus Caprarius would suggest anticipation of the intensive urbanization process of the VII Regio (which dated back to Hadrian’s time), and so Vicus Caprarius is one of the few witnesses we have left of the “New City” project undertaken by Nero after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD.

During the 2nd century AD, the southern area of the structure was modified to accommodate a huge water tank, the Castellum Aquae. This tank was part of the Vergine aqueduct, the only ancient aqueduct in Rome that also feeds the Trevi Fountain and others.

 

 

With a capacity of 150,000 cubic metres, the two interconnected chambers of the Castellum Aquae were lined with a mixture of bricks and lime for waterproofing. Roman engineering channeled the water into the tank of Vicus Caprarius and then distributed it southward. Remarkably, the water still flows inside this ancient reservoir.

Next to the Aquae de Castellum, archaeologists discovered two houses from the 12th and 13th centuries, their walls comprising repurposed Roman bricks and marble, showcasing the medieval practice of repurposing older architectural elements.

Archaeological discoveries

The Vicus Caprario was discovered in 1930 during excavations in the Via Labecna area. The excavations revealed a series of residential buildings, including apartments and public facilities. These discoveries show what daily life was like for Romans in that period, including dwellings for simple families.

Cultural significance

The Vicus Caprario is a living example of ancient Roman life, reflecting the social and economic diversity of Rome. It also shows how Roman cities developed, as urban life grew and expanded rapidly.

The Vicus Caprario is an integral part of the history of Rome, reflecting the living spirit of the ancient city. Through its discoveries, we can understand what life was like at that time, making this site of great importance in the study of Roman civilization.

Artifacts and Discoveries

 The Vicus Caprarius is home to a variety of artifacts unearthed during excavations, including pottery, coins, and sculptures. Each piece tells a story, contributing to our understanding of Roman society, economy, and cultural practices.

 

 

Discover the city

Having cleared out the long-undisturbed earth and rubble, archaeologists excavated labyrinthine passages and foundations of the old Aqua Virgo aqueduct, as well as discovering a residential area dating back to the first century. The structure was originally an insula, a common type of housing for Rome’s poorest communities. It’s thought that around the fourth century, this building was converted into a mansion house for a noble family and decorated with frescoes and marble.

The water that pumps out of Trevi Fountain flows along ancient masonry through this underground complex, and has done for millenia.

The digging and chiseling also uncovered a whole load of interesting artifacts. A collection of bronze coins was found stowed in a wall cavity, which was thought to have been hastily stashed as Rome was falling during the Sack of the Vandals in 455 AD. The owner of the coins, which were of little value at the time, was seemingly never able to retrieve their small wealth.

Untouched African pottery once used to transport olive oil, fragments of ornate sculptures, partial mosaics, and the famous bust of Alexander Helios can be admired in the Trevi Fountain underground museum.

Architectural design

The Vicus Caprario is unique in its design, with houses built closely together around a central courtyard, with water channels running between the buildings. These channels show how the ancient Romans relied on water in their daily lives, reflecting their dedication to architecture and irrigation.

The City of Water:

Learning  about the site’s nickname, the City of Water, which derives from its complex aqueduct system and the discovery of a large water reservoir. Learning  how water was directed, stored, and used in ancient Rome, highlighting the engineering prowess of the Romans and the importance of water in urban planning and public health.

Tourism in Vicos Caprario

A visit to Vicus Caprario is a unique experience, where visitors can walk through the tunnels and admire the Roman ruins. Tours are organized to help understand the history and cultural significance of the area.

Therefore, the Italian government is keen to pay great attention to the city, and provide it with many types of museums that reflect the history of the city with its antiquity and its sophisticated water systems, which indicate the Romans’ leadership and superiority in this field.

Conclusion

The Vicus Caprario is a wonderful example of the richness of Roman history, offering visitors the opportunity to discover a hidden side of the city. Exploring this underground city is an experience that takes you on a journey through time, discovering how the ancient Romans lived and interacted with their environment.

This hidden underground beauty of Rome which lies under the Trevi Fountain is just one of the precious treasures that the Eternal City offers. Discovering the millenary history and the incredible heritage hidden in the Roman underground is something that not everyone is familiar with. It is a priceless venue meant to be discovered in order to fully appreciate and understand the past of this great and glorious city. The Vicus Caprarius is located in Vicolo del Puttarello.