New Metro Stations in Rome Showcase Ancient History

Rome, a beloved tourist spot, has just unveiled a fresh way for visitors—and commuters—to dive into its ancient past.

In early December, the city opened two new metro stations, including one situated just beneath the iconic Colosseum.

This station stands out because it features a series of ancient artifacts, all discovered during the construction process.

The two stations, named Colosseum Fori Imperiali and Porta Metronia, boast an array of historical structures.

Notably, the Colosseum station displays ancient items like ceramic vases, plates, stone wells, and even remnants from a 1st-century residence, like cold plunge pools and hot springs.

Meanwhile, Porta Metronia showcases military barracks stretching about 80 feet long, dating back to the 2nd century AD.

As the scientific director of the excavation, Simona Moretta, mentioned, these barracks were found buried between 22 and 39 feet underground. They likely housed soldiers tasked with safeguarding both the city and the emperor.

She noted, “The layout of the entrances, which were staggered rather than facing each other, indicates this was indeed a military building. This design allowed soldiers to exit their rooms and align themselves without bumping into each other in the corridors.”

The new stops are part of the Metro C line, a significant project that will cost the city around $8.3 billion, with full completion expected by 2035.

Once complete, officials estimate Line C will accommodate up to 800,000 passengers daily, covering a total of 18 miles, with 12 miles underground.

This metro line will eventually traverse beneath remarkable Roman landmarks, including Trajan’s Column, Maxentius’ Basilica, and even parts of Vatican City.

However, the project hasn’t been without its challenges. Marco Cervone, who manages construction for the consortium, rightly pointed out the difficulties posed by the terrain and the need to innovate around extensive groundwater while preserving the archaeological findings unearthed along the way.

Despite bureaucratic hurdles and funding concerns, a wealth of over 500,000 artifacts has been uncovered throughout the excavation efforts.

The opening of these stations aligns with recent initiatives from Italian authorities aimed at managing tourism more effectively in Rome.

For instance, in December, it was announced that visitors wanting to get a closer look at the Trevi Fountain will need to pay a small fee, around €2, to help mitigate overcrowding.