Crypta Balbi, Archaeological museum in Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy.
Crypta Balbi is an archaeological museum housed within the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre and the medieval buildings constructed above it. The site preserves original Roman passages in the basement while displaying artifacts from multiple periods across its interior levels.
The original complex was built between 19 and 13 BCE as a theatre for public entertainment in Rome and served the community for centuries. After the decline of the Roman period, new structures were layered on top and the site underwent various uses until modern archaeological work uncovered what lay beneath.
The name references the ancient theatre that lies buried beneath medieval structures above. Walking through the spaces, you notice how different periods layered on top of each other, with rooms repurposed and adapted across the centuries.
The site is located in central Rome and is accessible by walking from several nearby transit lines. Plan time to explore all levels comfortably, and note that the lower areas can be cool and occasionally damp.
The basement contains exceptionally preserved Roman passages that were part of the original theatre structure, offering visitors a rare authentic glimpse of ancient Roman architecture beneath the city streets. These underground spaces remain largely unknown compared to other Rome attractions.
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