Barco Borghese, Archaeological site in Monte Porzio Catone, Italy.
Barco Borghese is a Roman complex in Monte Porzio Catone featuring a quadrangular platform with roughly 190 vaulted underground chambers spanning about 16,000 square meters. The rooms connect through parallel corridors that run beneath the substantial structure.
The complex began as the foundation of a Roman villa and was later transformed in the 16th century when the Altemps family converted it into a hunting reserve. This change led to the construction of country houses on the site.
The underground rooms hold inscriptions from Roman times that offer glimpses into daily life of that era. The facade with Doric columns above serves as a venue for concerts and cultural events.
Visitors need to arrange reservations ahead of time for guided tours, which operate Friday through Sunday. It is wise to check in advance as visiting hours vary seasonally.
The underground structure showcases barrel-vaulted construction that demonstrates Roman engineering skill. This ancient building technique remains remarkably intact to this day.
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