If you love adventure and history, you can immerse yourself in a network of underground tunnels in Lazio. This underground network has a history spanning nearly 2,500 years, starting from the end of the Bronze Age (12th century B.C.) to the present day. Within the tufa cliff on which the city is built, tunnels, cisterns, wells, water supply and sewage evacuation systems, as well as warehouses, cellars, stables, dovecotes, craft workshops, fountains, wash-houses, summer triclinia, nurseries and private gardens have been carved out.
The tour route of Orte Sotterranea starts from the underground fountain in Freedom Square and winds hundreds of meters into the heart of the cliff. The network of tunnels and underground environments testifies to the evolution and different productive activities that have taken place over the centuries; it is a true journey through time!
Among the activities you will discover are pigeon breeding and the exploitation of snow for the preservation of products.
How to visit
The visit is organized in two variants, a shorter one lasting about 45 minutes and a full one lasting about an hour and a half, with expert guides accompanying visitors to discover this fascinating underground complex. Reservations are recommended, both for Orte Sotterranea and the Rock Nymphaeum.
People, who have already had the opportunity to see it, recommend the experience. It scored 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google. It represents an important tourist, cultural and archaeological attraction, a symbol of Orte’s long continuity of life and transformations through the centuries.
Prices are from 5 euros depending on the route you choose to take. For reservations: +39 379 208 5237 (also WhatsApp).
What to see in Orte
Orte is an ancient village located in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, perched on a tuffaceous hill overlooking the Tiber River valley. Orte’s origins date back to the Bronze Age.
During the Middle Ages it established itself as a free commune and thriving center, with a lively commercial life and conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline factions. The current appearance of the city greatly reflects this medieval period, with historic palaces, arches and narrow alleys. Among the things to see in the city:
- Orte Sotterranea: network of tunnels, wells, cisterns and underground environments that tell 2500 years of the city’s history.
- Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta: medieval church with important works of art.
- Gazzoli Palace: historic residence in the center of the village.
- Museo Diocesano: museum that preserves historical and artistic artifacts related to the diocese of Orte.
- Arco di Via della Repubblica: ancient entrance to the medieval town.
- The medieval old town: strolling through alleys, squares and well-preserved ancient buildings.
- The Tiber River and its valley: natural landscapes surrounding the city.