Heritage Malta is inviting the public to discover the fascinating findings from the Melite Civitas Romana project, currently underway at the Domvs Romana in Rabat. This is a rare opportunity to witness archaeology in action and hear directly from the experts behind one of Malta’s most important heritage projects.

Now in its fourth excavation season, the Melite Civitas Romana project is an international collaboration between Heritage Malta, the University of South Florida’s Institute for Digital Exploration, and Intercontinental Archaeology. Together, researchers are re-examining the Domvs Romana (better known as the Roman Villa) – a grand Roman house first discovered in 1881 – using techniques like digital mapping, geophysical surveys, and stratigraphic excavation.

The project recently welcomed Australian High Commissioner H.E. Matt Skelly, who was given a guided tour by the site’s directors and got a firsthand look at the research in progress.

To share their discoveries with the public, the team behind the project has announced these two upcoming events:

Public Conference – Saturday 21st June at St Paul’s Catacombs

Kicking off with a public conference, this event will present the latest insights from the 2024 excavation season. Expect engaging talks from the project’s directors and contributors, followed by a Q&A session. Space is limited, so pre-booking is essential – book your place here.

Guided Excavation Tours – Tuesday 24th June at the Domvs Romana

Get up close and personal with the archaeologists as they work! On the 24th of June, visitors will have the chance to join one of five guided tours at the Domvs Romana, running every 30 minutes between 8:00am and 10:30am. You’ll learn more about ancient Melite, the Roman town that once thrived in the area, and see the latest research tools in action.

Here's a bonus – reduced admission rates apply that day, and there’s free entry for Heritage Malta members, children under 11, and Heritage Malta passport holders – reserve your tour spot here.

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Whether you want to impress your favourite history geek, or are just in the mood for an outing with a difference, this is a golden opportunity to learn about the island’s ancient past from the very people unearthing it.

Ready to step back in time?