Built almost 2000 years ago, this extraordinary Roman building and Scheduled Monument is thought to have originally formed part of a large 'mansio' (official hotel) for travellers crossing the English Channel. Dover, or Dubris as it was then called, was the leading naval base and gateway to Roman Britannia.
The 'mansio' was demolished by the Roman army during the construction of a larger Saxon Shore Fort, the west wall of which cuts through three of the rooms. Its burial resulted in the unique survival of over 400 square feet of painted plaster, the most extensive ever found north of the Alps.
Five rooms survive, with large areas of painted murals showing scenes of Bacchus. The elaborate underfloor heating system (hypocaust) is still substantially complete, and visitors can see the large arched flues, various heating channels and vertical wall-flues that kept the building comfortably warm 1800 years ago.
Accessibility: Due to the nature of the site, access is limited. The monument is below ground level and only accessible via staircase. There is a ground level viewing platform.
Free entry
10am to 4pm every Saturday until the end of November 2024. In 2025, it will be open from the February half term holiday to the end of November in line with other local heritage attractions. Guided educational visits and group tours are available to book for a small charge. Please email for further information.
