Museo e Foro Romano (Roman Forum and Archaeological Museum), Assisi

Nestled on the corner of Assisi's Town Hall Square, near the historic Seminary Arch ("Arco del Seminario") – the ancient limit of the walled city in the Roman era – lies this fascinating museum that acts as a time machine to Roman times. It is housed within the crypt of the former San Niccolò church, dating back to 1097, but demolished in 1926 to make room for the medieval-style post office building.

The museum features a passage that runs beneath Town Hall Square, where ongoing excavations seek to uncover more Roman remains. While the underground maze may seem bewildering at first glance, scholars now believe it to be not the old Roman Forum, as previously thought, but rather a religious sanctuary linked to the Temple of Minerva. Some speculate that the Forum may have occupied the site of the present-day Cathedral instead. Amidst the labyrinth, visitors can marvel at fragments of statues, pillars, busts, urns, and other Roman and Etruscan relics, each imbued with a sense of mystery in their subterranean setting.

All in all, it's a captivating way to spend 30 minutes, especially if you download the accompanying app for some insightful audio information. Truly, understanding what lies beneath adds a whole new layer to appreciating the town center!