Criptoportico romano, Roman archaeological site in Vicenza, Italy.
The Criptoportico Romano is an underground vaulted passage that runs beneath Vicenza's streets and shows typical features of Roman construction. The structure consists of several chambers and corridors that once served as a foundation for buildings above and made use of the space below.
This underground structure was built during the Roman period to create space beneath the city for storage and infrastructure. It shows how Romans shaped their cities using innovative methods and combined multiple functions in a single structure.
The name refers to the underground vaulted passage that Romans built as a practical solution for city planning beneath the streets. Visitors can see today how this passage runs through the space under the modern city and shows the connection between ancient and present-day construction.
Access is through marked entrances at street level, and a flashlight is practical since the underground areas receive little daylight. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as the floor can be uneven and moisture levels in this underground space are high.
Within this passage, pottery and tools were found that show how Romans organized their crafts and storage supplies. These discoveries give a rare glimpse into the daily life of a Roman city beyond its public monuments.
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