Archaeological treasures revealed during construction at two metro stops led to years of delays
Metro passengers in Rome can now peruse ancient history while in transit after the opening of two long-awaited stations showcasing a vast trove of treasures unearthed during their construction – including the remnants of a military barracks built during the reign of the emperor Trajan and 28 wells, along with the votives offered up in thanks.
The Colosseo-Fori Imperiali, a sprawling station beside the Colosseum descending across four levels, and Porta Metronia, in the area of San Giovanni, form part of the driverless Metro C, an underground line that connects the suburbs of Rome to the centre.
Tuesday’s grand opening of the two “museum stations” promises some relief for Rome’s commuters, as it comes after years of delays, while providing plenty of additional archaeological delights for tourists to marvel at during their visit to the Italian capital.
The underground network in Rome, which includes Metro A and B, is limited, partly because construction works inevitably reveal long-buried history.
