Viterbo underground, underground, not to be missed

I visited the Underground Viterbo in December. The cost of the ticket is really low, only 4 euros including a tasting of typical products. As he told us the highly prepared guide according to some accredited theories advanced by archaeological scholars, the first cut in the tuff of the Viterbo Underground could even go back to the Etruscans.

Underground Viterbo is composed of a network of tunnels that extend under the historic center and lead all the way beyond the city walls. For now, the only passable stretch of the underground winds for a hundred meters arranged on two levels under Piazza della Morte, respectively at 3 and 8 meters deep. The route is completely excavated in the tuff, a volcanic rock that characterizes the current landscape of Tuscia. The origin of the tunnels is controversial.

According to some accredited theories, advanced by scholars and archaeologists, the first cut in the tuff could even go back to the Etruscans. At that time, probably, the structure was used as a hydraulic system, a way to collect and channel rainwater and river waters, and then sort them where necessary precisely through a dense network of tunnels. It was during the Middle Ages that these places took on their current conformation: raised, enlarged and stretched, the underground tunnels became an authentic maze made of secret passages that were used to connect the nerve and strategic structures of Viterbo.

The galleries also led to all the main exits of the city and secured the escape route for the Viterbo in case of danger or siege. More recently, the dungeons were exploited by the brigands for their shady business and during World War II they were used as anti-aircraft shelters during the bombings. A guided tour of the Underground Viterbo is a journey through history over 2500 years. The tunnels are illuminated by LEDs, well ventilated and comfortably walkable.