Casa de Hippolytus

About the museum

The Casa de Hippolytus lies beside Alcalá de Henares, on the outskirts of the ancient Roman city of Complutum, from which the present-day town grew. The building was erected between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, although its core began to be built in the 1st century. It formed part of a large estate surrounded by gardens and of a mausoleum dedicated to the Annius family, who sponsored the college.

It was in fact the seat of a college for young men, an association of the urban nobility with educational, religious and recreational functions, and one of the few known in Roman Hispania. The core of the building was an enclosed courtyard that served as a frigidarium, with two pools, from which one passed to the tepidarium and the caldarium. A furnace, latrines and a well of mineral water with possible medicinal use also survive.

The most outstanding piece is the Fishing Mosaic, in which three young men work on a boat surrounded by fish, crustaceans and other Mediterranean species. It bears the signature of the master Hippolytus, after whom the house is named. The site has been prepared for visits and is part of the Historic Heritage Network of Alcalá de Henares.

Highlights

• Fishing Mosaic signed by the master Hippolytus
• College for young men, one of the few known in Roman Hispania
• Frigidarium with two pools, tepidarium and caldarium
• Furnace, latrines and a well of mineral water

Permanent exhibition

• Yacimiento y mosaico de la pesca – A route past the remains of the college for young men, with its thermal rooms, and the Fishing Mosaic, remarkably well preserved.

Operated by

Ayuntamiento de Alcalá de Henares (Red de Patrimonio Histórico)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The site is on Avenida de Madrid, next to the Ciudad Deportiva El Juncal.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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