Rome explores underground caves as climate refuges against extreme heat

As extreme heat waves become more frequent, Rome is studying the feasibility of turning its vast underground network of ancient quarries, catacombs, and tunnels into 'climate refuges' where residents can escape the heat. The city's first ever 'Plan against Heat' already includes hundreds of above-ground cooling shelters, but officials are now looking underground for long-term solutions. Source: emolcl

The underground advantage

The 'Laberinto de la Caffarella', an ancient pozzolana quarry in the Appia Antica park, serves as a proof of concept: while outside temperatures exceed 30°C, the cave maintains a constant 15°C year-round. 'Mucha gente viene en busca de alivio ante el calor de esta época', says Alessandro Placidi, a guide from 'Roma Sotterranea'. Source: infobae However, not all cavities are safe; the city's Climate Office director Edoardo Zanchini emphasizes the need for thorough analysis: 'Queremos estudiar con detenimiento el tema de los espacios subterráneos'. Source: emolcl

Mapping and safety concerns

The Instituto Superior de Protección e Investigación del Medio Ambiente (ISPRA) and CNR-IGAG are already mapping Rome's subsurface, which covers over 100 km². Geologist Giuseppe Delmonaco warns that air quality and structural stability must be guaranteed before public access. Source: infobae The 2024 average temperature in Rome reached 19.7°C, 2.5°C above the 1991-2020 baseline, underscoring the urgency. Source: emolcl

What's next

The project remains long-term, with no timeline for opening underground refuges. The city plans to integrate the findings into its broader climate adaptation strategy. Source: infobae