1) Ancient Roman architecture 
In Ancient Roman architecture a cryptoporticus (from Latin crypta and porticus) is a covered corridor or passageway. The usual English is `cryptoportico`. The cryptoportico is a semi-subterranean gallery whose vaulting supports portico structures aboveground and which is lit from openings at the tops of its arches. On sloping sites the open side.....
a covered gallery that was a characteristic feature of the ancient Roman palazzo. It was usually designed to provide shade and a cool place for ...
An underground, vaulted colonnade or portico with lighting through the vault or side walls. 
cryptoporticus In ancient architecture, a concealed or enclosed portico; an enclosed gallery having, at the side, walls with openings instead of columns; also a covered or subterranean passage. For a few 'secret-related' words', see: stego-.
a covered passage, as one underground, lighted on one side. · a portico at the entrance to a crypt.