Discover the Hidden City Beneath Rome

Around 30ft beneath the ground level of modern Rome lie the remnants of its dormant, ancient ancestor. Much of the area is still being excavated, with new and exciting findings imminent. This subterranean underworld contains many gems unheard of in the sunlit land above ground. With all the focus on the obvious, iconic attractions of the city, it could be easy to overlook, quite literally, what you are standing on below your modern, sleekly designed art hotel. Centuries of eclectic history are hidden away. Concealed crypts, ancient spooky chapels where the temperature inexplicably plummets and dark winding passageways are a vision into a humble past. The world beneath is key to understanding what Roman life was really like for the everyday local.

Going underground

One of the most enthralling underground sites to see outside your art hotel is the Basilica of St Clemente, a 12th century basilica built on top of a 4th century church. Still further beneath is a 1st century Roman alleyway and temple, which was used for worship by the mysterious religious Cult of Mithras - about which little is known. Speculation over the movement’s origins and a collection of perfectly preserved remnants (including several temples) serve to have both avid history buffs and myth busters salivating with excitement.

A small intricate staircase leads from the basilica, which was once controlled by strict Franciscan monks. As you venture down to the dark depths of the beautifully intact church, you'll discover a place lost in time and decorated with medieval frescoes recounting Christian mythological tales.

A far cry from the modern comfort of your contemporary design art hotel, you can then descend to the 1st century Roman street level, where the Mithras temple lies opposite a Christian sanctuary. The two religions did once live side-by-side and share remarkably similar rituals, but what happened in the intermittent 2,000 or so years, whether paths crossed and merged, remains a mystery.

Elsewhere, a stone’s throw from your modern art hotel, you'll find the Basilica of St John and St Paul (Sante Giovanne e Paolo), home to the remains of the eponymous soldiers who were martyred in 362AD. It was built in the 2nd century, on top of the ruins of a temple honouring Emperor Claudius, in view of the Colosseum. But perhaps more intriguing is the old Roman street beneath it. It is complete with two early Roman houses believed to be owned by the martyrs, which even contained a small garden and functioning pool helped by running water. There are also other attached buildings dated between 1st and 4th century AD, which comprise authentic, in tact Roman era residential complexes. Like many of Rome’s mystical underground labyrinths and alleyways, the basilicas were built over, forgotten, and only discovered again around the 18th century. They were then excavated and found to be almost perfectly preserved.

Looking for a great hotel in Rome? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering top class accommodation in a spectacular art hotel in Rome, as well as a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.