The remains of a tuff and pozzolana quarry dating back to the time of Emperor Trajan were used during the Second World War as an air-raid shelter for the defenceless civilian population
The Vittoriano has a vast and fascinating underground area. The majority is occupied by the remains of a tuff and pozzolana quarry, used from the age of Emperor Trajan (AD 98-117) to provide building material.
The quarry came to light during the works for the construction of the Vittoriano, forcing the architect Giuseppe Sacconi to revise the project and to build an imposing foundation to support the building.
The underground areas returned to life during the Second World War. Many rooms were transformed into an air-raid shelter, equipped with a first aid station, a supply of drinking water, emergency exits, benches built into the walls and toilets. Several writings testify this particular phase: “As hungry as a wolf”, “Twice as hungry” or “Fettuccine” are characteristic of the war period.
