Domus of Capitelli di Stucco

Site: Ostia Antica (RM)
Year: 2019
Client: MIBACT -  Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica 
Area:  2.788,2 mq

In 2013, the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica launched a vast project of study and restoration of the monumental structures located along the Decumano.
The main objective is to give the public the opportunity to discover ancient Ostia through its main visit route. In this context is framed the recovery and restoration of blocks IV, V and VII of Regio V, and the restoration project of Domus dei Capitelli.
The Domus dei Capitelli in stucco is located in the central sector of Ostia Antica’s archaeological site. It is one of the few Roman-Republican houses still open to visitors in Ostia. The Domus retains the peristyle with Tuscan columns covered in stucco like the capitals, hence the name attributed to the Domus. On the south side is still partially emerging a rich floor mosaic with black tiles with marble rhomboidal inserts, dating back to around 50 BC.
Currently, the domus and the adjacent insula of the imperial age are covered in vegetation that obstruct the view and cause deterioration. The restoration project is based on analysis of the sources which made it possible to identify the first excavation campaigns and to acquire data on previous restorations projects.