Casa romana del II secolo d.C. sotto il museo

After twenty years, this beautiful Domus beneath the building housing the Barracco Museum (which I added to Maps) reopened following a major restoration and enhancement project. Now, after further consolidation work, it's once again accessible. It's a small space containing just a few artifacts, but it's beautifully enhanced by a walkway, dramatic lighting, and clear explanatory panels. There's an information system available via a dedicated app, but it doesn't seem to be working well yet. Access is limited to weekends, by reservation, and limited numbers. Check out the photos and other reviews I've written about Rome and its wonders, and if it was helpful, click "helpful."

On the ancient Via dei Baullari (where trunk sellers once stood), in Rione VI (Parione), beneath the beautiful early 16th-century Renaissance building now home to the Giovanni Barracco Museum of Ancient Sculpture, lies an important archaeological site, a Roman house from the 4th century AD.

The discovery occurred in 1899 during the construction of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, where interesting remains of a Roman domus from the late Roman Empire were found.

These archaeological finds are located more than 4 meters below current street level and can be reached via a staircase.

Six smooth columns (arranged in an L-shape (3+3)) are visible, belonging to the portico. The polychrome marble floor is very beautiful.

Between two columns, the remains of a room with a small basin at ground level are visible, while in another spot, a valuable larger basin rests on ornamental vertical elements with a water collection basin at ground level.

Separately, a valuable twisted marble column with an ornate capital can be seen.

It was most likely a stately building, given the large quantity of marble that furnished it. It is certainly a fascinating visit that takes us back to the glories of Ancient Rome.

The opening of the domus, initially planned to last until February of this year, has been extended until September 25th. The site is accessible only on Saturdays and Sundays, always by reservation. Given the limited space, access is staggered (one visit every 20 minutes).

The lighting is well-designed and allows for a clear view of the details of the complex. Furthermore, the visit, taking your time to read every single informational sign along the short path, can easily be completed in about twenty minutes.

Four meters below street level, visitors can step into the ancient world: a small Roman domus dating back to the 4th century AD, with part of a colonnaded portico and rooms constructed from recycled materials.

Admission is free, as is the Barracco Museum of Ancient Sculpture located above.