Casa dos Mosaicos

Casa dos Mosaicos is a small but historically dense archaeological museum in the heart of Lugo, just a short walk from Praza Maior. Inside, you'll find the in-situ remains of a Roman domus — an urban residence dating from the late 3rd or early 4th century AD, uncovered beneath Rúa Doutor Castro.

What is there to see?

The star attraction is the set of floor mosaics that once decorated the house's antechamber and oecus, its main reception room. Geometric patterns blend with figurative scenes, and one fragment depicts the head of the god Oceanus — the reason the residence is also known as Domus Oceani. That mosaic was uncovered back in 1842, long before the rest of the rooms were excavated and opened to the public.

Beyond the mosaics, keep an eye out for the hypocaust — the Roman underfloor heating system whose remains survive beneath one of the house's dining rooms. It's a rare chance to see exactly how an ancient hot-air heating system worked below the floor.

The visit wraps up with a short audiovisual presentation offering a virtual reconstruction of the house and a look at the early history of Roman Lugo, a city best known today for its UNESCO-listed defensive walls.

How do you get there, and what does it cost?

The museum sits at Rúa Doutor Castro 20-22, right in the old town, so it's easiest to reach on foot while exploring Lugo's other landmarks nearby. Admission is free, which makes it an easy addition to any day's itinerary without extra cost.

Opening hours change with the season. From June to mid-October the museum opens daily from 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 20:30. For the rest of the year (January to May and mid-October to December) the schedule differs: Tuesday to Friday 10:00-13:30 and 16:00-19:30, weekends 10:00-14:00 and 16:30-19:30, and closed on Mondays. Hours are sometimes extended around holidays, though the museum is closed on December 24, 25 and 31, and on January 1 and 6.

When is the best time to visit?

Casa dos Mosaicos is compact, so a visit doesn't take long — it fits easily into a shorter stop in Lugo, for example between a walk along the Roman walls and lunch in the old town. Given its small size, it's worth avoiding peak hours during the busy summer season, when the city fills up with visitors touring the walls.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Casa dos Mosaicos free? Yes, entry is completely free all year round.

What exactly can you see inside? In-situ Roman floor mosaics, including one depicting the head of the god Oceanus, along with the remains of an underfloor heating system (hypocaust) and an audiovisual reconstruction of the house.

Why is the domus also called Domus Oceani? Because of a mosaic showing the head of the sea god Oceanus, discovered in 1842.

How long does a visit take? It's a small exhibition, so a visit including the audiovisual presentation usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.

Is it worth combining with other Lugo attractions? Yes — the museum lies within the city walls, close to the cathedral and Praza Maior, so it fits naturally into a walking tour of the old town.