Domus Liceo Cavour

History

The site was first encountered in the late 19th century during the construction of a Catholic missionary headquarters, which later became the high school. An inscription found at the time indicates the property likely belonged to the Umbrius family, who may have originated from Samnium.

Two historical owners of the domus were identified as Lucius Fabius Gallus and, later, Umbria Albina.

While part of the structure was documented during the initial construction, the site remained largely unexcavated. Local student rumors regarding hidden rooms beneath the school led to informal explorations by students. After these findings were reported by a teacher to the Special Superintendency of Rome, formal excavations began in January 2026. The discovery was publicly announced on May 28, 2026, by archaeologist Filippo Coarelli.

Only a portion of the villa has been excavated. The Special Superintendency of Rome and the liceo scientifico plan to continue research and eventually open the site to the public with students serving as guides.