Beneath Vicolo del Puttarello, a short walk from the Trevi Fountain, Vicus Caprarius takes you into an underground Roman neighbourhood and the water system linked to the fountain. Walkways lead past brick walls, water channels and a cistern associated with the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. A small museum displays finds from the excavation, including ancient coins, marble and sculptures. The site is compact, so allow about 30 minutes to explore; a guide can add context to the ruins and their engineering.
Roman homes beneath the Trevi district
Vicus Caprarius lies below Vicolo del Puttarello, just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain. The ruins were uncovered during construction of a cinema complex. From street level, the entrance is easy to overlook; below it, walkways take you through an archaeological site beneath the modern city.
The remains include an insula, a Roman apartment building dating to the imperial period. The building was later converted into a domus, a private residence. Brick walls and the layout of the excavated spaces give a sense of how this part of Rome changed over time.
The Aqua Virgo and the water cistern
The site contains a water distribution cistern associated with the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. This aqueduct supplies water to the Trevi Fountain above, linking the underground remains to one of Rome’s best-known landmarks. Water channels and the cistern show how the aqueduct’s water was collected and distributed in the ancient city.
The ruins sit below the surrounding streets, and the route follows elevated metal walkways. Take time to look down into the water spaces and along the brickwork. The site is small, but its connection to the fountain gives the underground engineering a clear place in the city’s landscape.
Finds from the excavation
A small on-site museum displays objects recovered during the excavation. The collection includes ancient coins, coloured marble and sculptures, among them a head of Alexander Helios. Informational panels provide context, and a video covers the site’s history.
You can explore independently or join a guided tour. The route is compact, and groups may meet in narrow sections, so a small bag is easier to manage. Visitors who want more historical context can choose a tour; the site also has information panels for those moving at their own pace.
FAQ
Where is Vicus Caprarius?
It is at Vicolo del Puttarello, 25, beneath the Trevi district and a short walk from the Trevi Fountain.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about 30 minutes. Entry is time-limited.
What can you see at Vicus Caprarius?
The site contains Roman residential remains, water channels and a cistern associated with the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. A small museum displays finds from the excavation.
Is Vicus Caprarius open on Mondays?
No. It is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.
