Since 2007, the Domus del Chirurgo or the Surgeon’s House has been a captivating attraction open to the public, offering a glimpse into a small Pompeii-like site that has emerged from the depths of history in the heart of Rimini.

The discovery of this extraordinary archaeological site dates back to the late 1980s when construction and street improvement projects were underway in the central Piazza Ferrari. What was unearthed was of immense historical significance, with traces spanning from the Roman era to the Middle Ages. This site was located near the walls of Ariminum, not far from the ancient port, and it was known as the “surgeon’s domus,” named after its last owner, a physician with Greek cultural influences. Although it had suffered destruction by fire around the mid-3rd century, the domus yielded a treasure trove of structures, mosaics, plaster, furnishings, and other artifacts amidst the rubble of its collapse. Together, these items provide an extraordinary “snapshot” of life in ancient Rimini. Most notably, within this environment, an exceptional surgical-pharmaceutical kit was discovered, making it the most extensive collection of its kind in the world since antiquity.

To preserve this historical treasure and facilitate visits, the excavation area of the Roman Domus is covered by a glass and steel roof, allowing the public to explore its secrets. This site seamlessly integrates with the Archaeological Section of the nearby City Museum (located at via Tonini 1), where visitors can view the artifacts unearthed and encounter a faithful reconstruction of the medical taberna. Together, they document moments from the professional and private life of the surgeon of Ariminum, providing a fascinating window into the past.

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