Palazzo Valentini is a 16th century building that overlooks Trojan’s column in the centre of Rome. It is named after a later resident - Vincenzo Valentini - who bought the property in 1827. From 1873 the palace was the seat of the Province of Rome.
During restoration work in 2005. a remarkable discovery was made. Beneath the palace are the remains of two houses and a private bath house from the Imperial era (4th century AD). The remains include splendid mosaics, marble columns and decorated walls. The remains were covered by a glass floor and tours take visitors through the whole complex. The experience is enhanced by ingenious lighting and multimedia animation which brings the complex to life in all its former glory.
At the end of the tour there is a section of World War II air-raid shelter and from the former entrance to this you can view Trojan’s Column as an unexpected finale. Tickets are sold for specific time slots from the official website.