Rome: The House of the Griffins opens to the public at the Colosseum Archaeological Park.

An ancient Republican domus is brought back to life thanks to innovative technologies.

Il Colosseum Archaeological Park has opened the House of the Griffins to the public., one of the oldest and most significant residential complexes of the Republican era on the Palatine Hill, with a live visit system real-time which allows you to explore otherwise inaccessible environments.

An archaeological jewel brought to light

The House of the Griffins is a private domus dating back to the 2nd–1st century BC, discovered at the beginning of the 20th century by the archaeologist James Boni. Situated at a depth of about five metres below ground level and incorporated into the foundations of the imposing Palace of Domitian, it preserves an exceptional cycle of frescoes, mosaics and stucco decorations: rare decorative elements that offer a direct insight into the lifestyle and art of the elite in ancient Rome.

The name “Casa dei Grifi” derives from a decoration with griffins, mythological figures placed side by side in a symmetrical position, visible in one of the main underground rooms.

Technology and public use

However, the opening to the public does not take place with the usual direct access: the underground environments are too fragile and difficult to reach via traditional routes Due to the narrow scale and delicate painted surfaces, the Archaeological Park adopted an innovative digital solution:
– a guide equipped with a video camera explores the interior spaces in real time;
– images and live commentary are transmitted to visitors, who can thus admire the frescoes and decorative details without physically entering the rooms.

Live viewings will be available by reservation starting from March 3rd, with shifts both in Italian both in English, allowing a broad and inclusive audience to appreciate this extraordinary site.

A project in the name of the PNRR

The intervention on the House of Griffins is the second of ten projects foreseen in the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Caput Mundi), within the scope of Mission 1 dedicated to Digitalization, Innovation, Competitiveness, Culture and TourismThe goal is to enhance and open to the public "hidden" areas of Roman heritage, restoring places of great archaeological and cultural value to citizens and tourists.

Other interventions include the opening of underground rooms of the Domus Tiberiana, “secret rooms” along the Palatine and new access and use areas, with a comprehensive plan that aims both at the protection of the finds and their accessibility.

A bridge between past and innovation

The House of Griffins represents an emblematic example of how Technology and archaeology intertwine to offer new forms of cultural experienceIn a context like that of the Colosseum Archaeological Park—which includes such gems as the Colosseum itself, the Roman Forum, and the entire Palatine Hill—this project opens up original perspectives for discovering Rome's past, going beyond a simple tourist visit and transforming it into an engaging and inclusive experience.