Domvs Romana, Fawwara Area Travel Guide

4.2 (1381)

Explore the ruins of a Roman-era house and museum showcasing well-preserved mosaics and artifacts from Malta's Roman past in Rabat.

The Domvs Romana, located on the border of Mdina and Rabat, is a ruined Roman-era house dating back to the 1st century BC. Built as an aristocratic town house, it offers a fascinating look into the lives of Malta's Roman elite, featuring well-preserved mosaics and artifacts discovered on-site.

A brief summary to Domvs Romana

Wesgha tal-Musew Rabat, Mdina, RBT 1202, MT
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Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Domvs Romana.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Mdina, the old capital of Malta, just a short walk away.
Check out the museum shop for unique souvenirs and history-related books.

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Explore Domvs Romana on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Domvs Romana, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Domvs Romana is easily accessible by bus. From Valletta, take bus route number 52. From Sliema, the 202 bus goes directly to Rabat. From Mosta, take bus 186. The closest bus stops are located at the Rabat Terminus, just a 2-minute walk from the site. A single bus fare costs €2.
Walking

If you are already in Mdina, the Domvs Romana is located just outside the city walls and is easily reachable on foot. From the Mdina main gate, walk straight ahead, and you'll find the Domvs Romana on your left in less than 5 minutes.
Car

If arriving by car, follow signs to Rabat or Mdina. There are several parking areas around the Domvs Romana and in Mdina. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around €0.50-€1.00 per hour. Note that parking can be limited, especially during peak season.

Discover more about Domvs Romana

Step back in time at the Domvs Romana, a museum built around the ruins of a Roman aristocratic town house (domus) discovered in 1881. Located on the boundary between Mdina and Rabat, this site provides a glimpse into life in Roman Malta.Constructed in the 1st century BC, the house was an opulent residence until the 2nd century AD. Although little remains of the original structure, the intricate mosaics are testaments to its past grandeur. The mosaics, inspired by ancient Greek architecture, feature decorative motifs and mythological scenes. Two types of tesserae were used: opus vermiculatum in the center and opus tessellatum for creating three-dimensional designs.In the 11th century, the area became a Muslim cemetery, with tombstones and artifacts of Islamic origin found alongside the Roman ruins. The museum, which opened in 1882, was specifically built to protect the mosaics. Over the years, it has undergone renovations, including the addition of a neoclassical façade and display room. The museum showcases a range of Roman artifacts found on-site and elsewhere in Malta, including statues of Emperor Claudius and his family, household items, and more. The displays illustrate various aspects of Roman family life, from fashion to food.