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Domvs Romana: A Glimpse into Malta's Roman Past

Explore a Roman aristocratic home with stunning mosaics and artifacts in Rabat, Malta.

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The Domvs Romana, located on the border between Mdina and Rabat, Malta, offers a fascinating look into the life of a wealthy Roman family in the 1st century BC. Built on the site of a Roman townhouse, the museum showcases well-preserved mosaics and artifacts discovered during excavations.

A brief summary to Domvs Romana

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Mdina, the old capital city of Malta, which is just a short walk away.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing.
  • Check the Heritage Malta website for any special events or temporary exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Domvs Romana is easily accessible by bus from Valletta and other major towns. Several bus routes stop at the Rabat Terminus, which is a short walk from the museum. Bus routes 51, 52, and 53 from Valletta, and 202 and 203 from St. Julian's, will get you close to the site. A single bus fare costs around €2. From the bus terminus, walk along Museum Esplanade for a couple of minutes to reach the Domvs Romana.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Mdina, the Domvs Romana is a short walk away. Exit Mdina through the main gate and walk along the road towards Rabat. The Domvs Romana will be on your left, approximately a 5-minute walk from the gate.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Malta. A taxi from Valletta to the Domvs Romana will cost approximately €20-€30, depending on traffic and the time of day. Ask the driver to take you to the Domvs Romana in Rabat, located near Mdina's main gate. There are usually taxis available near the entrance for your return journey.

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Discover more about Domvs Romana

The Domvs Romana, or Roman House, is a ruined Roman-era house situated between Mdina and Rabat, Malta. Constructed in the 1st century BC, it served as an aristocratic town house within the Roman city of Melite. The site was discovered in 1881 and subsequently excavated, revealing remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaics, statues, and other artifacts. The museum, built on the site to protect the mosaics, opened in 1882 and was the first building in Malta specifically constructed to house a museum of a particular archaeological site. The museum's displays illustrate various aspects of a Roman aristocratic family and household, including family roles, fashion, education, entertainment, and food. A highlight is the set of marble statues portraying Emperor Claudius and his family, a rare find in a private house. The house features a colonnaded peristyle inspired by Greek architecture. The well-made polychrome mosaics in Hellenistic style are a highlight, showcasing decorative motifs and mythological scenes. The mosaics are comparable to those found in Pompeii and Sicily. Other artifacts include coins, glassware, tableware, bath accessories, and amphorae. In the 11th century, a Muslim cemetery was established on the remains of the domus. Excavations have unearthed tombstones and other remains from this period, which are also displayed in the museum. The museum has undergone several renovations, including the addition of a neoclassical facade and a display room. It reopened to the public in 1945 after being used as a restoration center during World War II.

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