The Criptoportico was designed to act as a retaining wall system, elevating the city's religious complex above the rest of the forum.
It covers an area of roughly 7,000 square meters, making it one of the largest Roman structural substructures in northern Italy.
The interior consists of two parallel, barrel-vaulted corridors connected by a series of openings, intended for both structural support and potentially administrative storage.
Archaeological evidence suggests the site underwent significant modifications during the Middle Ages, including its partial conversion into a cellar or storage space.
The walls are primarily composed of local stone, demonstrating the practical use of materials readily available in the Aosta Valley during the Roman period.
The Criptoportico Forense is a subterranean monumental gallery located in Aosta, Italy, serving as a rare example of a Roman-era podium structure. Built in the 1st century BC, this semi-underground gallery supported the sacred area of the Roman Forum of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum. The structure consists of a double-vaulted corridor forming a horseshoe shape, originally designed to level the uneven terrain of the ancient city. It features massive pillars and tufa-block masonry that reflect advanced Roman engineering techniques for terrace fortification. Excavations have revealed intricate wall drainage systems and structural adaptations used to stabilize the ground beneath the city's main temples. Today, the site offers a unique perspective into the Roman urban planning of the Alpine region.
The central arched transition point, where the light hits the repeating columns to create a symmetrical perspective.
Bring a light jacket as the underground temperature remains cool even during hot summer months.
Wear footwear with good grip, as the ancient stone flooring can be uneven and occasionally damp.
Use a flashlight or your phone's light to better inspect the masonry details in the darker corners of the corridors.
Do not attempt to touch the original masonry, as oils from skin can accelerate the degradation of the ancient stone.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
