Rome’s Metro C line is set for a significant and highly anticipated expansion with the inauguration of two new stations, Colosseo/Fori Imperiali and Porta Metronia, on December 8th. The announcement was made by Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, who hailed it as “another small piece of a changing Rome.”

More than just new transit stops, both Colosseo/Fori Imperiali and Porta Metronia are set to open as “museum stations.” This designation reflects a commitment to showcasing the wealth of archaeological finds unearthed during their construction. The effort ensures that the ancient history of the city is not merely excavated and moved, but actively incorporated into the daily lives of commuters and visitors.

The timing of the opening, in the run-up to the holiday season, is significant. It will allow the new segment to be utilized for Christmas shopping and will coincide with the activation of special mobility plans and traffic restrictions in the central areas.

The Colosseo/Fori Imperiali station—situated twenty meters beneath the Via dei Fori Imperiali—will serve as a remarkable meeting point between modern transportation and Roman antiquity. It is located along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, between the Muzon Wall (north side) and the Temple of Venus and Rome (south side).

Renderings have consistently highlighted its museum-like atmosphere, featuring dedicated displays, showcases, and carefully curated environments to exhibit the archaeological relics recovered from the site. This station will connect travelers directly to one of the world’s most iconic monuments, the Colosseum.

The Porta Metronia station is equally impressive in its scope. It is located in Piazzale Ipponio, at the intersection of Via Farsalo and Via dei Laterani. The excavations here brought to light the remains of Roman Barracks from the first half of the 2nd century A.D. These include the so-called “Domus of the Commander” and the “Centurion’s House,” complete with visible mosaics.

In a unique undertaking, the structures have been meticulously relocated and reconstructed inside the station, placed in their original positions (known as giacitura originaria). This unprecedented approach has already drawn the attention of scholars and visitors from across the globe, offering a powerful, immersive glimpse into the ancient life of the city right as you step off the train.

The opening marks a major milestone for the Metro C project and for Rome, integrating the city’s complex, layered history with its future transport needs.

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