Domus Romana Lucca
The Domus Romana ”House of the Child on the Dolphin” is an Archaeological site in the center of Lucca, discovered in 2010. In a single environment it is possible to admire the evolution of construction techniques that took place over 2000 years of the city’s history. Wall structures and finds from the Roman era dating back to the 1st century BC, Lombard, medieval and Renaissance are visible, with original friezes and objects.
It is the first and only Archaeological Site in Europe brought to light, museumised and open to the public with exclusively private resources. The Superintendence of Archaeological Heritage of Tuscany directed the excavation work. He assessed the remains brought to light as evidence of crucial importance for the historical reconstruction of the city. The archaeological remains of the Domus were recognized as part of the State’s cultural heritage in 2015
Opening hours and Contacts
Opening hours
Open every day 10.00am – 18.00pm
Closed on Tuesday
info@domusromanalucca.it
+ 39 0583 050060
Via Cesare Battisti, 15, 55100 Lucca LU
History and Mission
- The Domus Romana Archaeological Site-Museum ‘Casa del Fanciullo sul Delfino’ was brought to light in 2012 during renovation works in the basement of a historic building in the center of Lucca. It preserves and presents wall structures and finds dating back over 2000 years: Roman era 1st century. BC, Lombard, medieval, Renaissance.
- First and only archaeological site in Europe brought to light, museumised and open to the public with exclusively private resources.
- The Superintendence of Archaeological Heritage of Tuscany directed the excavation work. He assessed the remains brought to light as evidence of crucial importance for the historical reconstruction of the city. The archaeological remains of the Domus were recognized as part of the State’s cultural heritage in 2015 pursuant to Legislative Decree 42/2004.
- Due to its uniqueness it is indicated as an example to the scientific and socio-political world. Proposed as a pilot case study in public administrations, public and private research institutions. Where History and Science come together to express a unique genius loci.
- Carries out public utility activities with the aim of social solidarity. It promotes the territory and its history internationally. It carries out multidisciplinary information, education, training and dissemination activities.
- It is open to the public every day of the year. It welcomes visitors, enthusiasts and scholars from all over the world on a daily basis. Reserve free entry for each school order. It hosts and organizes conferences, seminars, museum exhibitions and cultural events. It is home to interns with specialist training courses. It proposes and implements, in partnership with international educational institutions of all levels, projects with innovative training models.
- It has consolidated collaborative relationships with important organizations and operators who carry out social and educational activities in the area, such as: Institute for the Conservation and Enhancement of Cultural Heritage of Florence, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, Bicocca of Milan, Lucca Campus Foundation , Schools of all levels, public and private, Museums and Archaeological Sites, Municipality – Province – Chamber of Commerce of Lucca, Tuscany Region.
- Selected by the Pan-European Federation ‘Europa Nostra’ for the assignment of the prestigious European Awards 2015, among the best 30 organizations that have distinguished themselves for their work of conservation and valorization of culture in Europe.
- The Chamber of Commerce of Lucca awarded him the Gold Medal and Diploma of Merit in 2013 for having contributed to the development of the Territory.
- The Municipality of Lucca promotes the Domus Site among the points of greatest historical interest in the City.