Domus del Chirurgo
Archaeological site in Piazza Ferrari in Rimini, with the remains of a 2nd-century Roman domus, the house of a military doctor, visible from suspended walkways.
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About the museum
The Domus del Chirurgo is an archaeological site in the historic centre of Rimini, in Piazza Luigi Ferrari. The remains were discovered in 1989 during the redevelopment of the square’s gardens: after fragments of fresco and a mosaic were found, systematic excavations began, continuing until 2007. The site has been open to the public since 7 December 2007.
The house dates from the second half of the 2nd century AD and stood on the northern edge of the ancient Ariminum, near the coastline of the time. Its core was the taberna medica, consisting of a study and a room for short stays. A fire, which took place after 257-258 AD, destroyed it and sealed under the rubble mosaics, plasters, objects and furnishings, among them over 150 surgical instruments in iron and bronze. The most widely accepted hypothesis is that the doctor, probably named Eutyches and of Greek-Eastern origin, was a military surgeon.
Later phases lie above the domus: a late antique palace decorated with polychrome mosaics, an early medieval cemetery and, afterwards, houses and gardens. The remains are protected by a glass and steel roof and visited on suspended walkways; the movable finds, including the surgical instruments, are kept in the archaeology section of the Museo della Città “Luigi Tonini”.
Highlights
- Mosaics and frescoes of the 2nd-century Roman house
- Taberna medica of the surgeon Eutyches
- Route on suspended walkways above the excavations
- Late antique palace and cemetery built over the domus
- Surgical instruments displayed in the Museo della Città
Permanent exhibition
- Sito archeologico di piazza Ferrari e Domus del Chirurgo – Route on walkways above the 2nd-century Roman domus, the late antique and medieval phases and the cemetery.
- Founded
- 2007
- Operated by
- Comune di Rimini
- Visitors per year
- approx. 125,187
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5visitors over 65, university students over 30, CGIL members and every non-holiday Wednesday |
| Seniors | €5Reduced rate for visitors over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities (on notification) and one companion. |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree for citizens up to 30 years old and for teachers and students of academies of fine arts and of university courses in archaeology or art history. |
| Groups | €5 per personGroups of adults accompanied by a museum guide or an authorised tourist guide, with mandatory booking; €2 per student for school groups. |
| Art Card (Museo della Città, Domus del Chirurgo and Fellini Museum) | €14Reduced €10; valid for 5 days from first entry. |
| Guided visit by reservation (1 hour) | €35€45 on public holidays or in a foreign language; the reduced ticket of €5 per participant must be added. |
The ticket is also valid for the Museo della Città “Luigi Tonini”. Free admission also for accredited journalists, tourist guides, teachers visiting with their class, ICOM members, residents of the province of Rimini and on their birthday (with ID). On 14 February two people enter with one ticket, and on 8 March admission is free for women.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 45 min |
|---|
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Car parks near the historic centre: Italo Flori, Ponte di Tiberio, Largo Gramsci (not available on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings), Area Sartini (not available on Friday mornings) and Scarpetti.
The site lies in the historic centre, in Piazza Luigi Ferrari, and can be reached on foot from the railway station. There are few parking spaces nearby, and they are paid.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The route runs on suspended walkways above the excavations. The site gives a visit duration of 30-45 minutes. Guided visits by reservation via ticketlandia.com; groups and schools contact the Musei di Rimini (+39 0541 704 421, musei@comune.rimini.it). |
