All you need to know to visit Vicus Caprarius: what it is, why it is significant, how to get there and why it is worth seeing.
Vicus Caprarius is a small yet fascinating underground archaeological site in Rome historic center, with beautifully preserved ruins of Roman houses dating from Imperial Roman times.
The site sits right below the famous Trevi Fountain, but despite this prime tourist location, it is a place ignored by the crowds who often don’t even realise the site exists.
Indeed, if you don’t know Vicus Caprarius is here, you are unlikely to find it!
Its entrance is tucked into a small alley away from the main road, and the large crowds of coin-throwing visitors at the fountain rarely venture far enough to discover what lies beneath.
However, if you love archaeological sites, you are likely to love this one!
In Vicus Caprarius, you can see an ancient roman house and the main cistern of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct (the one that still feeds the Trevi Fountain today), all while being dazzled by the element that makes this area unique: water flowing and cascading all around you
The site is perfect for history lovers, visitors who want to deepen their understanding of Ancient Rome, and anyone looking for a lesser-known archaeological site in Rome, away from the biggest crowds.
This is all you need to know to plan a visit.
What is Vicus Caprarius, the ‘City of Water’
Vicus Caprarius, also known as the City of Water, is an underground archaeological site in Rome’s city center with well-preserved ruins of ancient Roman houses dating from Imperial times, a section of an ancient Roman road, and part of the main water cistern connected to the Trevi Fountain.
The complex was discovered in 1999 during renovation works and offers a fascinating glimpse into the layers of ancient Rome hidden beneath the modern city.
The site develops vertically under the Trevi area, and you explore it by walking on metal walkways, not entirely dissimilar from scaffoldings we see on modern building when under renovations.
Walking on them allows you to get a bird’s-eye view of the site, safely navigate the nine-meter-deep excavation and you also get close views of the ancient residential structures and their beautifully preserved brick walls, storage areas, and water tanks.
You can also see exhibits found during the excavation, presented with clear information panels explaining what you are looking at.
I find the site absolutely fascinating.
The building on the Northern part of the site has been identifies as an insula (multi-dwelling ancient Roman house) dating from the time of Nero, and a unique example of the nova Urbs this controversial emperor had in mind. Not a common sight at all in Rome, if you’re into archaeology, it is pretty special to see!
The same building changed over the course of the centuries and turned into a domus, aka single family wealthy home, which is probably the reason for the beautiful statues and decorations found here, and now part of the exhibit area.
The ruins themselves are fascinating, but what makes Vicus Caprarius even more unique is the presence of water.
The site contains a castellum aquae, one of the key water distribution points of ancient Roman aqueducts. Because of this, water is still visible throughout the site, flowing and cascading around the ruins, creating a uniquely atmospheric experience (don’t worry, you won’t get wet!)
Is Vicus Caprarius worth visiting?
Yes, Vicus Caprarius is absolutely worth visiting for the right type of traveler.
This is not one of Rome’s headline attractions and it doesn’t have the grand scale of sites like the Colosseum or Roman Forum.
Instead, Vicus Caprarius offers something more intimate and unusual: a close-up look at everyday Roman life and the fascinating water systems that still run beneath the city.
If you are interested in Ancient Roman history, enjoy lesser-known archaeological sites, or have already visited Rome’s major landmarks and want to discover something different, this small underground site can be a real highlight.
On the other hand, if your Rome itinerary is very tight or you are mainly looking for big, visually dramatic landmarks, you may prefer to prioritize Rome’s major ancient sites first.
For many visitors, especially repeat travelers and curious history lovers, Vicus Caprarius is a surprisingly memorable stop just steps from the Trevi Fountain.
Where is Vicus Caprarius and how you get there
Vicus Caprarius is beside the Trevi Fountain, about 2 minutes or less walk from it.
Vicus Caprarius address is Vicolo del Puttarello 25, Rome
The site can only take a small number of visitors at each time, so reservation is mandatory a weekends and pubic holidays and strongly recommended at all times. They don’t have an online booking system but ask to reserve via WhatsApp – you can find all the info and their number on the Vicus Caprarius website.
The site is small and with good info panels and does not require a tour, although official ones are available.
The visit took us about half an hour.
Opening Hours
From Tuesday to Sunday 11am – 5 pm (latest admission at 4.30 pm). Closed on Mondays.
Reservation is recommended at all times and mandatory on weekends and public holidays, when visitors affluence is higher.
A self guided visit takes about 20 minutes; the guided tour about 40.
Vicus Caprarius with kids
I visited Vicus Caprarius with my kids and they enjoyed the novelty of the place, the walkways and the water.
However, I do not recommend the place to families with toddlers or kids of stroller age: strollers are not really usable here and due to the high elevation of the walkaways, despite the railing, it is not a place I’d feel at ease with a toddler on the loose.
What to see nearby
Vicus Caprarius is right beside the Trevi Fountain, in an area rich of thigns to see. Whitin easy walking distance you have:
The Trevi Fountain, of course
Quirinale Hill, with the Official residency of the President of the Republic, significant churches by Bernini and Borromini, the Scuderie del Quirinale Museum and pretty views over the city
The Fountain of the Triton in Barberini square
You can find here >> my complete guide to the Trevi Fountain district, that gives an idea of all you can see in this area.
FAQ about Vicus Caprarius City of Water
Vicus Caprarius, also known as the City of Water, is an underground archaeological site near the Trevi Fountain. It preserves remains of Roman-era houses, a section of ancient road, and part of the water system connected to the Aqua Virgo aqueduct
Vicus Caprarius is located just beside the Trevi Fountain in Rome’s historic center.
The entrance is at: Vicolo del Puttarello 25, Rome. Because the entrance is on a small side street, and while there are street signs directing you to it. it is easy to miss if you are not specifically looking for it. Online maps will bring you there from Trevi Fountain in no time
Most visitors spend here about 20 minutes if self guided. Standard tours take 40 minutes.
No, due to the nature of its terrains, strollers are not usable here.
If you love archaeology and lesser known site, absolutely yes! While not flashy, it is a fantastic place to learn about ancient Roman architecture