A cryptoportico, in ancient Roman architecture, was a semi-subterranean covered gallery or corridor intended for circulation or storage that was integrated into a larger built complex. The generally vaulted cryptoporticos supported the porticoed structures on the ground and were illuminated through openings in the upper part of their arches or in the vaults. The shade and semi-excavated location provided cool, moderate temperatures useful for the storage of perishable goods, while offering a level and slightly elevated podium for the superstructure.

The term cryptoportico is a Latin neologism coined from the Greek term kryptē (to hide) and the Latin porticus (portico).

Two forms of cryptoporticos can be distinguished, some integrated into Roman villas and the others purely utilitarian in order to resolve the slope of the land on which civil, religious and/or political buildings were built. On sloping sites, the open side of the cryptoportico was often partially at ground level and supported the structure, as in a Roman forum or villa, in which case it served as basis villae.

The cryptoporticos of Arles "Cryptoporticos (Arles)") stand out, built under the old Forum of Arles (France) which are located under the current Jesuit church on rue de Balze (Arles). During the Second World War they served as a refuge for members of the French Resistance against Nazi troops.

This cryptoportico replaced the Hellenistic column portico, which maintained the general plan framing a patio or garden, but in which the spaces between the columns were closed by a wall, or replaced by a wall pierced with windows.

Pliny the Younger in four of his Epistles&action=edit&redlink=1 "Epistles (Pliny) (not yet written)") described the cryptoporticos of his villas") of Larentinum, 25 km from Rome, and in Tuscany. The one in the villa of Laurentium had windows on one side and the other, which opened on the sea or on the interior garden. In Tuscany, the villa It had two, one raised and the other semi-underground, to maintain a certain coolness. They all offered a beautiful view and protected from the heat of the sun. By opening or closing the windows on one side or the other, depending on the season and the weather, you could enjoy a pleasant breeze, or be protected from the winter winds.[1]​.