After 13 years of excavations and 20 years of works, Rome has finally unveiled two metros dubbed as 'archeostations’ – for their unique function as part transport hub and part museum.
The stations are located at prime tourist spots: one right beneath the Colosseum, and the other by the gate in the city’s third-century Aurelian Walls.
Part of the capital’s expanding subway network which will stretch across the entire city of Rome, the project dug 30 metres underground, revealing ancient artifacts now preciously preserved and on display for passing commuters.
Archeological buffs will appreciate multiple screens recounting the excavation process at the Colosseum stop. Then move along displays of ceramic vases and plates, up-close access to 28 wells which date back to before the first aqueduct was built in 313BC, and even the remains of a private home’s cold plunge pool and thermal bath.
Also on display are original buckets ancient Romans used; people left them inside after water ran dry as a way to thank the Gods for supply, reported Italian news outlets.
Colosseo-Fori Imperiali will provide the busy tourist attraction an alternative link to avoid street level busy traffic, while the Porta Metronia stop will welcome a museum in February, housing second-century AD barracks, as well as Roman frescoes and mosaics.
These openings now interconnect Metro B and C, where the latter line also connects to Metro A and Termini Station.