In an effort to draw visitors to comparatively less-trafficked areas of Rome’s top tourist destination, the city is offering tours—via livestream—of an ancient Roman home that has not previously been open to the public. The House of the Griffins is located near the top of the Palatine Hill, an area adjacent to the Forum and the Colosseum; all three make up the Colosseum Archaeological Park.
The House of the Griffins dates to the 2nd-1st century BCE and was discovered in the 19th century. Two stories from the original dwelling survive, featuring an atrium and pool on the ground level, and several well-preserved, highly-decorated rooms underground. Frescoes and mosaics covered the walls, which feature two white stucco griffins, giving the residence its name. A palace was eventually built on top of the home, burying it for centuries.
Starting on Mar. 3, following several years of restoration to improve structural integrity, conserve wall paintings, and install lighting, according to Artnet, visitors will be able to watch live video tours of the House of the Griffins. They will gather in a space near the home while a Colosseum Archaeological Park guide with a head-mounted camera explores the underground structure and narrates (in English or Italian, depending on the tour).
According to the AP, tours will take place on Tuesdays to start, and each group will max out at 12 people.
The project is part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, an EU project intended to support culture and tourism via technological improvements. The House of the Griffins is the second project (of 10) to be completed as part of Italia Domani (“Italy Tomorrow”), as the plan is known.
