The best European travel destination is another reason for the visit

The top travel destination revealed an old secret.

An unknown network of underground corridors hidden under Capitolin Hill in Rome-which carries evidence to a long chapter of the past of the eternal city-will soon open for visitors.

“Nobody saw these caves and tunnels for more than a century,” said Arilia de Ambrosio.

This complex is hidden under the vast ground-which covers 42,000 square feet-under some of the best attractions in the city, steps away from the Roman Forum and the 2000-year-old TEATRO DI Marcello.

These tunnels are known as Grottino Del Campidoglio, or Capitoline Grotto, which were full of life during the days of Julius Caesar.

A long time before it was closed by Benito Mussolini in the twenties of the twentieth century, it was a quarry, a tank, a bar, a shelter for bombs, and even a loud market during the nineteenth century.

Now, thanks to a huge recovery project worth $ 2.8 million, tunnels are set to reopen to the public in late 2026 or early 2027.

CNN was granted exclusive arrival earlier this month.

About 75 feet under the ground, visitors found cold and moist tunnels at a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit fixed-despite the 95 degrees summer temperature.

In the deepest point, the cave is drowned about 1000 feet below the surface – the deeper than most metro tunnels.

“This is an inner experience in several ways,” D’Ambrosio explained.

She pointed out that the researchers every day on the site, and new discoveries appeared, such as the marble foundations of the Jupiter Temple, or links to the old animals, or utensils that are likely to be filled once with wine and olive oil.

The history of Grottino extends for thousands of years. From ancient stone quarries to medieval shelters and the nineteenth century pub, the tunnels have evolved alongside Rome. During World War II, the parts were used as an air strike, with fortified doors and public baths still bearing the “Gabinetto” sign.

German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goette fell in love with a bar of a bar here in the eighties of the last century, which immortalized the moment in his famous “Italian journey”.

Despite the above -mentioned region, it is subject to great renovations in recent decades – including the nearby Roman and Empire forums – these tunnels have been sealed. Now, thanks to modern technology, the corridors are finally safe for general exploration.

Laser scanning, structural reinforcements, and radio gas ventilation systems are installed to prepare for future tours. Specialized air filters and guided entry system will guarantee the safety of visitors and maintain the fragile complex.

When it is opened, the cave will display the museum exhibitions, the antiques recovered from the previous fossils, and perhaps even pieces of the personal archives of the Capitolin Museum. Also planned for handicapped access and multi -language tours were also planned.

Above, Capitolin museums continue to dazzle with classic bronze, marble statues and renaissance murals. But below, a new type of museum is quietly built – where history is literally under your feet.

“The area has not been opened before to the public as it will be,” said D’Ambrosio.