Cave tourism in Italy helps tourists beat extreme heat

The underground archaeological site Narni Sotterranea in central Italy is attracting visitors partly due to the cooler temperatures in its ancient subterranean chambers and Inquisition-era cell. Discovered in 1979 by a group of students led by Roberto Nilli, the site revealed a hidden network beneath a former Dominican convent.

The discovery was accidental during a climb down a wall in the historic center’s gardens, where an old man directed the group to a concealed hole in rubble. The site offers a unique glimpse into history not visible above ground. Climate change has caused a slight rise in the subsoil’s average temperature, but the underground remains cooler than the outside environment.

The Church of Rome has supported research at the site scientifically, granting access to Vatican archives which have helped uncover its historical significance. The site’s story is considered compelling enough to inspire film or television adaptations. Visitors often seek the cooler underground space as a refuge during the hottest parts of the day.