Palombaro Lungo
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to one of the most extraordinary examples of hydraulic engineering in the ancient world: the Palombaro Lungo. Often referred to by locals and scholars as the 'Water Cathedral,' this subterranean giant lies hidden directly…
Listen in the app2The Stairway to the Depths
As we begin our descent, the metal stairs clank softly underfoot, echoing through the vast chamber. Look at the walls flanking the stairs. …
Listen in the app3The Plaster of Cocciopesto
Stop for a moment and run your eyes—but not your hands, to preserve the site—over the walls. You will notice a distinct reddish-grey coating. …
Listen in the app4The Archways and Hydraulic Connections
As we walk along the elevated walkway, we pass through several massive archways. These are the connecting points where separate caves were joined to form the 'Lungo' or 'Long' Palombaro. …
Listen in the app5The Well-Heads and the Public Life
Look up toward the ceiling. You will see several circular openings, now covered with glass or metal grates. …
Listen in the app6The 1991 Discovery and the Divers
Near this section of the walkway, there is a photograph on display showing divers in the cistern. This commemorates the remarkable events of 1991. …
Listen in the app7The Reflections and the Bottom Water
As we reach the furthest point of the tour, look down at the water that still remains at the bottom of the cistern. It is still and dark, acting like a perfect black mirror. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we ascend back toward the light of Piazza Vittorio Veneto, take a moment to reflect on what you have just witnessed. The Palombaro Lungo is more than a cistern; it is a monument to the human will to survive and thrive in the…
Listen in the app
What is Palombaro Lungo?
Palombaro Lungo is a place with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Heritage |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 40.6680, 16.6061 |
| Last updated |
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