In operation

Porta Metronia
station

The Porta Metronia station is located in Piazzale Ipponio, at the intersection of Via Farsalo and Via dei Laterani.

In operation

The Porta Metronia station is located in Piazzale Ipponio, at the intersection of Via Farsalo and Via dei Laterani.

The station has a rectangular floor plan with a width of 28 meters, length of 118 meters, and a depth of 30 meters. It is developed on 5 underground levels: an atrium level and a museum level located at the same height, a level for the relocation of archaeological artifacts, a level for technical rooms, a “mezzanine” level, and a platform level exclusively serving the subway. In addition to these levels, there are the roof and the foundation.

The diaphragm walls that make up the station structure, constructed using a hydrofraise, have a thickness of 120 cm and a maximum length of 55 meters. The expansion of the atrium in the eastern area was carried out using piles with a diameter of 120 cm and a length of 21 meters. The station structure was excavated using the top-down technique, except for the first two underground floors. Due to the presence of an archaeological layer approximately 15 meters thick, the Top-Down Archaeological excavation method was adopted for those levels.

The Project

The project includes three distinct entrances. The first one on via dei Laterani is equipped with two escalators and an elevator. A second entrance is located along via Farsalo and has a fixed staircase and two escalators, while the third entrance to the station is positioned along viale Ipponio, towards Porta Metronia. This last entrance, equipped with a fixed staircase, allows direct access to the lowered underground square. From this open public space, you can directly access the subway and the museum located in the western part of the station structure. The underground square also has an elevator that connects it directly to the street level on via dei Laterani.

External Arrangement

The external arrangement is characterized by the presence of 4 parallelepiped volumes covered in travertine slabs that rise about 3 meters from the floor level and serve as light wells that convey natural light into the museum area. The engineering challenge for the Porta Metronia station was to design a new distribution of spaces, considering the archaeological findings, in order to allow for the relocation of the archaeological artifacts unearthed during the excavation to the same position and orientation.

Highlights

63,5k m3

of concrete

13,5k t

of reinforcement steel

103,5k m3

of excavations

65k m3

of archaeological excavations

20k m2

of diaphragm

6k m

of piles and micro-piles

87k km

drilling for consolidation

19

escalators

6

elevators

230

platform doors

End Benefit and Sustainability

The excavation of the Porta Metronia station has been a significant opportunity for understanding Ancient Rome through archaeological excavations that reached a depth of approximately 15 meters, bringing to light remains of extreme historical and archaeological importance. The construction of the project has therefore become an opportunity for the enhancement of the discovered artifacts, which has transformed into the design and creation of a dedicated museum, separate from the station but accessible from the underground square.

Archaeology

The investigations at Porta Metronia station allowed for the exploration of almost 50,000 cubic meters of archaeological stratigraphy over an area of 3,300 square meters, reaching an average depth of 15 meters from the current ground level.

The archaeological complex unearthed at Amba Aradam/Ipponio station between 2015 and 2018 is considered, due to its unity, architectural characteristics, and state of preservation, to be one of the most significant discoveries in recent years. Given the exceptional nature of this find, the Special Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Rome has mandated the relocation of archaeological structures and the redesign of the station project to enable their reinstallation in situ.

The Aqua Cabra and Transformation Interventions

During the archaeological excavations, a vast archaeological complex was discovered. The archaeological investigations covered an area of approximately 1,750 square meters. The excavations brought to light a Roman barracks dating back to the 2nd century AD, consisting of over thirty rooms decorated with wall frescoes and mosaic floors. In the western half of the station structure, a large residential complex, likely of a military nature, was found, consisting of two levels (referred to as the “barracks” and the “Commander’s house”), while in the eastern half, there was a large garden area arranged on terraces sloping towards the Aqua Crabra ditch. The barracks, dating back to the time of Emperor Hadrian, was abandoned, razed, and partially buried during the construction of the Aurelian Walls.

The excavations demonstrated how the settlement dynamics of this territory were strongly influenced by the crossing of a reasonably sized watercourse known in Roman times as Aqua Crabra, with its subsequent transformations and natural or forced course deviations occurring over the centuries until its final obliteration, concurrent with land reclamation and leveling interventions carried out in the early 20th century.

The phases of occupation that yielded the most substantial evidence are those chronologically spanning from the Tiberian period to the mid-3rd century AD. It is within this chronological range that the site witnessed successive transformation interventions, as evidenced by a complex construction sequence. Along the left bank of the ditch, an imposing building gradually rose and structured itself on artificial terraces that followed the natural topography of the area.

The building remained in use, with successive modifications, until its abrupt abandonment in the second half of the 3rd century AD, coinciding with the construction of the Aurelian Walls between 271 and 275 AD. Following this significant discovery, the Archaeological Superintendency of Rome, as previously requested for the San Giovanni station, mandated the redefinition of the architectural project with the aim of relocating the ancient structures inside the station and contextualizing the discovered artifacts while restoring the visual relationship with the Aurelian Walls. This was part of an effort to integrate this extraordinary find with the infrastructure project through a functional organization of spaces.

The relocated complex to be placed in situ occupied the western half of the station structure, covering an area of over 1,900 square meters (highlighted in red in the figure below), while in the eastern half, there was a large open sector, arranged as a garden and spread across terraces sloping towards the Aqua Crabra ditch (Eastern Area).

An Archaeological Complex to Enhance

The characteristics and layout of the rooms on the upper terrace, dating back to the Trajanic era and identifiable as dormitories, have led to the hypothesis that this building may belong to a larger complex of a military nature. The topographic context of the discovery, in an urban area characterized by a decent density of military buildings – the Castra Peregrina at Santo Stefano Rotondo, the Statio V Cohortis of the Vigili at Santa Maria in Domnica, the Castra Nova Equitum Singularium at San Giovanni in Laterano, the Castra Priora Equitum Singularium in via Tasso – supports this hypothesis.

Prior to the relocation of the structures, manual removal activities were carried out to remove inconsistent surface deposits for the identification of damages (microfractures, fractures, and fissures) and biocidal treatment, extended to all surfaces and repeatedly applied to reduce attacks and the proliferation of biodeteriorating microorganisms. To preserve all the architectural elements and decorative features during drilling, cutting, and handling activities, operations were carried out to improve their structural consistency or adhesion to supports.

The repositioning of the archaeological complex identified within the Station Body will be carried out through a series of operations that must be performed in a specific sequence of phases in order to restore the complex of relocated structures (including floors, plaster, and special elements) to their original position, enhanced through restoration, consolidation, and esthetic presentation.

Architecture

The museum project for the Porta Metronia station was entrusted to the architectural firm ABDR. In ABDR’s track record, there are projects such as those for the Rome Metro Line B1 or the Roma Tiburtina railway station, as well as museum projects like the Museum of Reggio Calabria.

The project includes a surface arrangement that enhances the external areas of the subway, creating a system of recognizable and accessible spaces. The final layout of the underground structure involves the integration of the functional spaces of the metro station with the new museum area organized around the archaeological site found. The guiding principle of the design was the relocation and valorization of the archaeological site discovered during the excavation of the subway station.

Rethinking Public Space

The project opportunity presented by the archaeological findings allowed for a radical rethinking of public spaces intended for the use of citizens, subway users, museum visitors, or residents. The project starts with the intention of returning quality-designed public spaces to the city, aimed at public use, enhanced by the historical pre-existing structures and the significant traces of the past in this area. The new underground square within the station structure integrates the street level with the underground levels of the museum and the subway. From the open space of Piazzale Ipponio, one can access the underground square, which in turn provides access to the museum area on one side and the subway station on the other.

This element represents the central hub of the distribution of the museum and the subway. It is a lowered urban space capable of creating a functional connection and, above all, a new urban space. In addition to providing access to the new museum and the subway, the square is equipped with a bar, integrated into the museum structure, and serves as a new urban space open to resident citizens and users of the subway and the museum. The museum setup already implemented at the San Giovanni station, as well as the project for the valorization in situ of the archaeological complex found at the Porta Metronia station, once again confirm how the construction of large urban infrastructure like Line C represents a formidable opportunity for enriching historical and archaeological knowledge and for the protection and enhancement of new discoveries.

From the museum access level, groups of visitors will be able to follow a visiting walkway that will run along the entire archaeological site, offering a close-up and aerial view of the relocated barracks. As per the Soprintendenza’s instructions, the barracks will be reconstructed in their original position and at the original levels, preserving the spatial layout found. The reconstruction allows for a complete visit of the site that can be observed from above. The walkway is equipped with some resting spaces furnished with long benches for educational presentations and historical communication.

The tour also includes the view of the large wall that delimited the barracks from the external garden, sloping down towards the San Giovanni area. The route concludes on a platform at an elevation of +22.90, equipped with exhibition cases that allow access to the inner courtyard of the museum itself. In the last portion, the path crosses the so-called “Commander’s House,” retracing the distribution corridor above which the walkway is positioned. In this area, a portion of the collapsed ceiling of one of the main rooms, decorated with frescoes, will also be reconstructed. The museum tour will end with a staircase that leads back to the main atrium. The museum will be equipped with material found during the excavation, projections, and both physical and virtual reconstructions.

Highlights

65k m3

cubic meters of soil excavated using archaeological methodology

> 500m2

ancient structures discovered

30k m3

make up the volume of the museum adjacent to the station

4k m2

square meters make up the footprint of the museum

350m3

ancient structures destined for the museum

100m3

mosaics found and relocated in the museum

200m2

frescoes found and relocated in the museum

> 100

mobile artifacts found and placed in specially designed display cases

Linea C

The Line C under construction includes 3 stations: Porta Metronia, Colosseo – Fori Imperiali, and Venezia. These stations will enter the heart of Rome and will allow the enjoyment of the artifacts found in the excavations thanks to the planned museum setups. The Colosseo station will also be the junction between Line C and the already operational Line B of the Rome metro, expanding the network effect of the capital’s mobility.

22 STATIONS IN OPERATION

The Line C currently in operation connects the southeastern suburbs to the San Giovanni station, a transfer point with Line A and the first example in Rome of a museum station. The route continues through 22 stations.

The Venezia – Clodio/Mazzini route will run through stations Chiesa Nuova, San Pietro, Ottaviano, which is the second interchange node of Line C with Line A, and Clodio/Mazzini.

As a possible opportunity to extend Line C, the Farnesina – Clodio/Mazzini route is in the preliminary design phase by the Client. The project under study includes the construction of two stations: Auditorium and Farnesina. The first will be located near the Auditorium Parco della Musica and the Palazzetto dello Sport; the second will allow a quicker connection to important places for the city such as the Foro Italico, the Olympic Stadium, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institutes of Public Administration.

Monte Compatri/Pantano

22 Stations in operation

The Monte Compatri/Pantano Station, the eastern terminus of the line, represents a significant rubber-steel interchange hub, thanks to two large parking areas, one of which is a multi-level parking and the other is at ground level, allowing for the parking of private vehicles.

Graniti

22 Stations in operation

The 10 pre-existing stations of the Termini-Pantano railway have been modernized according to the technological and architectural standards of the new Line, adapting their functional and plant characteristics. The Graniti Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Finocchio

22 Stations in operation

"The 10 pre-existing stations of the Termini-Pantano railway have been modernized according to the technological and architectural standards of the new Line, adapting their functional and plant characteristics. The Finocchio Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Bolognetta

22 Stations in operation

The 10 pre-existing stations of the Termini-Pantano railway have been modernized according to the technological and architectural standards of the new Line, adapting their functional and plant characteristics. The Bolognetta Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Borghesiana

22 Stations in operation

The 10 pre-existing stations of the Termini-Pantano railway have been modernized according to the technological and architectural standards of the new Line, adapting their functional and plant characteristics. The Borghesiana Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Due Leoni/Fontana Candida

22 Stations in operation

The 10 pre-existing stations of the Termini-Pantano railway have been modernized according to the technological and architectural standards of the new Line, adapting their functional and plant characteristics. The Due Leoni/Fontana Candida Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Grotte Celoni

22 Stations in operation

The 10 pre-existing stations of the Termini-Pantano railway have been modernized according to the technological and architectural standards of the new Line, adapting their functional and plant characteristics. The Grotte Celoni Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Torre Gaia

22 Stations in operation

The 10 pre-existing stations of the Termini-Pantano railway have been modernized according to the technological and architectural standards of the new Line, adapting their functional and plant characteristics. The Torre Gaia Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Torre Angela

22 Stations in operation

The 10 pre-existing stations of the Termini-Pantano railway have been modernized according to the technological and architectural standards of the new Line, adapting their functional and plant characteristics. The Torre Angela Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Torrenova

22 Stations in operation

The 10 pre-existing stations of the Termini-Pantano railway have been modernized according to the technological and architectural standards of the new Line, adapting their functional and plant characteristics. The Torrenova Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Giardinetti

22 Stations in operation

The Giardinetti Station, the only completely new surface station, is the point where the underground line meets the surface line. It is characterized by a trapezoidal shape with large windows and is equipped with a parking lot with over 200 car spaces. The station's atrium, at street level, is accessible from Via Casilina. The Giardinetti Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Torre Maura

22 Stations in operation

The Torre Maura Station is located at the confluence of Via Giglioli and Via Tobagi. It is accessible through three entrances, two along Via Casilina and one on Via Giglioli. The Torre Maura Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Torre Spaccata

22 Stations in operation

The Torre Spaccata Station is located between Via Tor Tre Teste and Via di Torre Spaccata, accessible from both sides of Via Casilina. The Torre Spaccata Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Alessandrino

22 Stations in operation

The Alessandrino Station is built under Via Casilina, between Piazza Sor Capanna and Viale Alessandrino, and is accessible from both the square and Via Casilina. The Alessandrino Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Parco di Centocelle

22 Stations in operation

The Centocelle Park Station, located between Via Casilina and Via Palmiro Togliatti, one of the major arterial roads of the Capital, is situated opposite the large Centocelle Urban Archaeological Park. The Centocelle Park Station has been open to the public since November 9, 2014.

Mirti

22 Stations in operation

The Mirti Station is built beneath the square of the same name, a symbol of one of the populated and lively neighborhoods of the Capital. The station is accessible through 4 entrances and 2 elevators. The square has been completely redeveloped. The Mirti Station has been open to the public since June 29, 2015.

Gardenie

22 Stations in operation

The Gardenie Station, located beneath the square of the same name, has three entrances, one across Viale della Primavera, connected by an underpass, and two on the north side of the square, which has been completely redeveloped. The Gardenie Station has been open to the public since June 29, 2015.

Teano

22 Stations in operation

The Teano Station, accessible from both Via Teano and Viale Partenope, is characterized by large spaces designated for commercial activities and a spacious atrium that can be used for events, exhibitions, and various initiatives. The Teano Station has been open to the public since June 29, 2015.

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Malatesta

22 Stations in operation

The Malatesta Station is built beneath the square of the same name, where bus terminals and stops are located. The new pedestrian square is characterized in the center by an open-air hypogeal space, accessible via a staircase that connects the outside with the station's intermediate atrium: a large space designated for commercial, cultural activities, and events, which gives back to the neighborhood a place for gathering and socializing. The Malatesta Station has been open to the public since June 29, 2015.

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Pigneto

22 Stations in operation

The Pigneto Station, constructed near the intersection of Via del Pigneto and Circonvallazione Casilina, will constitute an important interchange node with the soon-to-be-completed FL1 railway line. The area above the station has been completely redeveloped, with the creation of an equipped park and a sports field. The Pigneto Station has been open to the public since June 29, 2015.

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Lodi

22 Stations in operation

The Lodi Station, the temporary terminus of the line, is situated beneath Via La Spezia (stretch between Via Orvieto and Via Foligno), a very important thoroughfare for the city. To adapt the presence of the subway to the historical and urban context in which it is located, the only elements visible on the surface are the steel and glass structures of the elevators and the station entrances. The Lodi Station has been open to the public since June 29, 2015.

San Giovanni

22 Stations in operation

The San Giovanni Station plays a fundamental role in the construction of Line C, especially because it represents the first interchange node with the existing Line A. The project underwent several evolutions following the results of archaeological investigations. The discovery of ancient structures to be preserved, up to a depth of about 18-20 meters from the ground level, led the Special Superintendence for the Archaeological Heritage of Rome to prescribe the impossibility of carrying out ground consolidations from the ground level, favoring open-air excavations with archaeological methods in the backfill soils, up to about 19 meters deep, excluding the realization of mechanized excavations for the construction of line tunnels in the section between San Giovanni Station and Amba Aradam/Ipponio Station.

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Porta Metronia

Route under construction

The station is located midway between the Fori Imperiali Station (interchange Line C/Line B) and the San Giovanni Station (interchange Line C/Line A), specifically about 500 meters south of Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano and 300 meters from the entrances of the hospital of the same name.

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Fori Imperiali/Colosseo

Route under construction

The Fori Imperiali Station is situated beneath the street of the same name, in the area between the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre) and the area in front of the Basilica of Maxentius.

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Venezia

Route under construction

The Venezia Station is located beneath the square of the same name in a strategic position as it is situated at the junction connecting the Baroque center of Rome and the archaeological area of Via dei Fori Imperiali. One of the two exits is planned to be in front of Palazzo Venezia, near Via del Plebiscito. The second exit is expected to be at Piazza Madonna di Loreto.

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Chiesa Nuova

Design in progress

The Chiesa Nuova Station is located beneath the square of the same name, near the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella and the adjacent Oratorio dei Filippini, a complex of exceptional historical and artistic importance.

San Pietro

Design in progress

The San Pietro Station is located to the west of Castel Sant’Angelo, near Largo Giovanni XXIII/Piazza Pia and Lungotevere Vaticano.

Ottaviano

Design in progress

The Ottaviano Station, characterized by its connection with Line A, is entirely underground and is located along the axis of Via Barletta, with the connecting structure to the Line A station situated on the side of Viale Giulio Cesare.

Clodio/Mazzini

Design in progress

The Clodio-Mazzini Station is located beneath Piazza Bainsizza, along the terminal part of Via Monte Santo, to optimize the flow of users from the Prati district.

Auditorium

Future developments

The Auditorium Station is situated in the open spaces surrounding the Palazzetto dello Sport between Viale Pierre de Coubertin and Viale Tiziano, currently landscaped and partially used as a parking area.

Farnesina

Future developments

The Farnesina Station, located beneath the surface of the "Farnesina" impound lot for towed vehicles, is characterized by its surroundings, which include significant facilities such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the monumental complex of the Foro Italico, the stadium, public administration institutes, university residences, etc. Two entrances are planned, located respectively in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and on Via Antonio da San Giuliano, near Ponte Milvio. For the terminal station of the route, an expansion of the existing parking areas is envisaged, with two large park-and-ride facilities.

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