Description of the attraction
The Roman Cryptoporticus of Aosta is one of the most unusual tourist attractions, located underground and making a lasting impression on visitors. To get acquainted with this heritage of Ancient Rome, it is worth ordering a special tour and wandering through the ancient galleries, immersed in the darkness of millennia.
The Cryptoporticus, a covered gallery, is located next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Piazza Giovanni XXIII. From there, through the garden, you can get directly into the bowels of the ancient structure - an imposing building that in ancient times was located in that part of the city that was dedicated to religion. Today, an underground covered gallery with an exquisitely "sculpted" interior is illuminated with light shafts. The cryptoporticus has the shape of a horseshoe, and at the time of construction it also had a double corridor and a ceiling with overhanging beams, which was supported by columns.
Disputes about the purpose of this building do not subside to this day. Probably, Emperor Augustus erected the Cryptoporticus to support the soil, which in these places sagged somewhat towards the plateau adjacent to the city. It is also believed that the semicircular part of the building was used as a warehouse and granary, and the marble columns on top (now completely destroyed) were part of the spectacular temple. According to historical documents, the Cryptoporticus was used for various purposes even during the Middle Ages, when it was turned into wine cellars.
