Visit Rimini

In the heart of the modern city of Rimini you’ll find some of the best preserved domestic mosaics from the roman world – the so-called ‘Surgeon’s House’ (Domus Del Chirurgo).

The extensive complex, now housed in-situ in a purpose built ultra-modern visitor’s centre (which is well worth seeing in its own right) in Piazza Ferrari, was discovered back in 1989. Archaeologists worked hard to preserve the floors, the remains of walls, and various household items (many of which are housed in a special collection in the nearby City Museum), making this an extremely important site for history enthusiasts.

Domus Chirurgo – The Surgeon’s House, Rimini

The name of the site comes from various instruments (up to 150) found on the site, including pincers, scalpels, weighing scales and various terracotta vases and glass phials – all suggesting that the owner of this large town house, whom historians have suggested was one Eutyches (a name of Greek origin), was some type of surgeon. In particular, many of the instruments found lend themselves to treating bone injuries, leading some to believe that Eutyches was a military doctor.

The house was preserved, it is thought, thanks to the sudden inward collapse of walls during one of the barbarian attacks on the city during the latter half of the second century A.D. The collapse, in a way similar to Pompei, managed to cover over, hide, and preserve this large and important example of Roman living.

The site, which covers around 700m2 also contains other structures, some dating from the medieval period – showing urban stratification at work. Indeed, throughout Rimini you can see the merging of the classical, the medieval and the modern – all interweaved.

It’s interesting to note that while today’s Surgeon’s House lies in the heart of the city (Piazza Ferrari is a stone’s throw away from Piazza Cavour and the Corso d’Augusto), when it was actually built in the second century AD it would have been close to the seashore. The coastline has advanced outwards over the centuries.

Opening Hours for the Domus
Between the 16th of September – 15th of June
Tuesday-Saturday: 08.30 – 12.30 & 17.00 – 19.00
Sunday & Holidays: 10.00 – 12.00 & 15.00 – 19.00
Monday: Closed

Between the 16th of June – 15th of September
Tuesday-Saturday: 10.30 – 12.30 & 16.30 – 19.30
Sunday & Holidays: & 16.30 – 19.30
Monday: Closed

Admission and Guides for the Domus
Admission costs €5
Sundays: Free

Guided groups of 25 people cost €25 The Museum of the City provides free guided tours on various special occasions (certain public holidays etc) keep an eye on the Visit Rimini twitter feed (@visit_rimini for further details.
For further information:
tel. 0541.21482; fax 0541.704410;
e-mail: [email protected]