Experience ruins dating back centuries! The incredible Roman Villa in Rabat is a must-see
An amazing abode.
The Roman Villa, or Domvs Romana, is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, located in Rabat, just outside the ancient bastions of Mdina. The villa was (accidentally) discovered in 1881 and depicts the lifestyle of the Romans while they were ruling over Malta.
The stunning building was a country house built for members of the upper class during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. The building housing the remains of the domvs was partly built immediately after the first excavation to protect the uncovered mosaics found on site. It is, thus, the first building on the Maltese Islands to have been purposely built to protect and house an archaeological site and collection.
The incredible ruins
One of the most astonishing features within the Roman Villa are the beautiful and fine Roman mosaic pavements found in the peristyle (a porch framed by columns, surrounding an internal courtyard) and the rooms leading off it. This artwork dates back to the first century BC and was produced with extremely fine techniques created by highly skilled artists. This is one of the oldest known relics of its kind in the western Mediterranean.
The Muslim tombstones located at the back of the Roman Villa were used as a burial ground during the Arab period in subsequent years. At this point in its history, however, parts of the villa were unfortunately destroyed.
The museum in Rabat also displays terracotta ornaments, a draped female statue, glassware, bone hairpins, ceramic and glass bottles used for oils and perfumes, a rython (a drinking vessel) and decorative architecture.
From townhouse to museum
The first plans to enlarge the building were made in 1906, but were superseded by the plans made by architect Galizia in 1922, which included the addition of a facade with a triangular pediment and a large rectangular display room.
In 1924, works started on the villa and a museum was built around it. Some beautiful marble statues that used to decorate the Roman Villa while it belonged to the Romans are displayed within. The then Museum of Roman Antiquities was later closed during World War II and was used as a small restoration centre during and after the war. It was re-opened to the public in 1945.
The Domvs Romana today
The current museum building doesn’t only preserve some of the most precious Roman remains, but also allows visitors to get a glimpse into what life was like during the Roman occupation, and within a Roman domestic household.
Apart from sharing the complex history of the site, the museum display is designed to take you through various aspects of Roman life including family, fashion, education, entertainment, food and drink.
Intrigued? The Domvs Romana is open everyday from 9am to 5pm. Don’t miss the chance to dive back in time at this incredible location.