Vicus Caprarius: Hidden Ruins and Fountains of Rome

Rome , Italy

Vicus Caprarius: Hidden Ruins and Fountains of Rome

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About this experience

Step into the hidden heart of Rome and discover Vicus Caprarius – the City of Water, an extraordinary underground archaeological site beneath the Trevi Fountain.
In Piazza Venezia you'll admire the Altare della Patria and its striking twin fountains representing the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas.

Next, wander through the charming streets to find the Turtle Fountain, a Renaissance gem designed by Giacomo della Porta. At Piazza Navona, you’ll marvel at Bernini’s dramatic Fountain of the Four Rivers, surrounded by baroque beauty.

Our journey then takes us to the world-famous Trevi Fountain, where you can toss a coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City. From here, we go beneath the surface into Vicus Caprarius—an ancient Roman aqueduct and hidden archaeological treasure that reveals the engineering genius and daily life of Rome almost 2,000 years ago.

This tour blends the magic of Rome’s most beloved fountains with the rare opportunity to explore a site most visitors never see.

Available options

Evening tour

Morning tour

What's included

Admission ticket for Vicus Caprarius

Professional guide

All fees and taxes

Detailed itinerary

The tour will start from our office and our first stop will be Piazza Venezia. In this famous square, there is a giant monument called “Altare della Patria”, started in 1885 and finished in 1911 by Gaetano Koch, Manfredo Manfredi and Pio Piacentini.

We will stop to admire the fantastic fountains of the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic, created together with Sacconi who was the designer of the Altare della Patria. The fountains are perfectly symmetrical and represent the two great seas that embrace Italy: the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Adriatic Sea.

Stop 3

Continuing with our tour, we will find the Turtle Fountain. This fountain was built between 1581 and 1588 on a project by Giacomo della Porta. The peculiarity of this fountain is the presence of four turtles (hence the name) in bronze, playing with some dolphins, which are placed on the shell-shaped tanks.

Stop 4

We will arrive at Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. The square is, above all, famous for the presence of three fountains of which the most important is the Fountain of the four rivers designed by Bernini and built between 1648 and 1651.

Stop 5

The next stop will be the very famous Trevi fountain, perhaps the most famous fountain in the world. This fountain was inaugurated in 1762 and it is closely connected to the Acqua Vergine aqueduct. The creation of the fountain is due to Pope Clement XII, who organized a contest for the design of the fountain. The winner was the architect Nicola Salvi.

The City of Water, Vicolo del Puttarello 25, 00187 Rome Italy, 20 minutes - The last but not least important stop is the Vicus Caprarius or the city of water, an underground aqueduct, located under the Trevi Fountain. It was discovered in 1999 in the basement of a cinema. Inside, a water tank connected to the Vergine aqueduct is visible.

What's not included

Private expenses

Tips

Transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT ES

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Italy In Love Tours

Important notes

Meeting time: 15 minutes before the start time.
Tickets will be redeemed at the meeting point.

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots