Exploring Ancient Rome: The Casa dei Grifi Opens for Virtual Tours
The Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome has introduced a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts and archaeology buffs to explore the ancient Casa dei Grifi, or House of the Griffins, through livestreamed tours. This remarkable ancient Roman house, located on the Palatine Hill, has been opened to the public for the first time, albeit virtually, due to the challenging accessibility of its underground structure.
The Casa dei Grifi, dating back to the late second or early first century BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman homes on the Palatine Hill. Its exceptional wall paintings, featuring sophisticated architectural illusions of columns and marble panels, make it a significant archaeological find. The house also contains some of the earliest known examples of opus scutulatum (floor mosaics with embedded polychrome marble shards) and white stucco griffins, from which it gets its name.
A Rich History and Preservation
Much of the Casa dei Grifi’s structure was inadvertently preserved when it was filled with soil during the first century AD to provide a solid foundation for the construction of the Palace of Domitian. This fortunate circumstance has allowed the house to remain in a remarkable state of preservation, with many of its original features still intact. The site has undergone a multi-year scientific restoration, completed in late 2024, which was financed by the European Union’s post-covid recovery fund (PNRR) as part of the Caput Mundi initiative.
Due to the challenging accessibility of the site, with its steep and narrow staircase, the Colosseum Archaeological Park has implemented a high-tech touring model. Visitors can occupy an above-ground space while a guide, equipped with a head-mounted camera, descends into the chambers to livestream a tour. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore the ancient house in real-time, without compromising the safety of the site or its visitors.
Virtual Tours and Accessibility
Starting from 3 March, tours of the Casa dei Grifi will be held every Tuesday, with Italian tours at 14:00 and English tours at 15:00, for groups of up to 12 people. This unique opportunity allows visitors from around the world to explore one of Rome’s most significant archaeological sites, without the need for physical presence. The livestreamed tours will provide an immersive and engaging experience, with guides providing expert commentary and insights into the history and significance of the Casa dei Grifi.
For those interested in exploring the Casa dei Grifi, the Colosseum Archaeological Park’s innovative approach to virtual tourism offers a unique and engaging experience. With its rich history, remarkable preservation, and cutting-edge technology, this ancient Roman house is now more accessible than ever. To learn more about the Casa dei Grifi and its virtual tours, visit Here