Catania's 'Portico dell'Atleta' opens to public after decades of excavation

After nearly 40 years of excavation and study, the 'Portico dell'Atleta'—a 1st-century AD Roman cryptoporticus in Catania—has finally opened to the public. Discovered accidentally in 1987 during sewer work, the site spans 21.70 meters by 3.50 meters, featuring niches, exedras, frescoes, and mosaics. The structure, part of a larger public complex, remained in use from the 1st to the 6th century AD, undergoing multiple transformations. The opening was made possible by PNRR funds and collaboration between the University of Catania and the Parco archeologico di Catania e della Valle dell'ACI. A headless, armless marble statue of a young man, dubbed the 'Atleta,' was found in 1989 and gives the portico its name. The site includes digital immersive experiences and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-6 PM, with limited access.