The Crypta Balbi is a complex connected to the antique theatre of Lucio Cornelio Balbo, built in stone in 13 a.C.

Although it is a National Roman Museum, the Crypta Balbi is peculiar because it is a museum of urban archaeology which researches and documents the evolution of the place, its settlements and its purpose throughout the centuries.

Particular attention must be drawn to the pieces documenting the activity of artisans (materials, tools, products) produced in the Crypta Balbi in Postclassical and early Medieval times. These pieces highlight the continuity of work and, also, the consistent quality of the products belonging to centuries (between the VII and the X century) which are usually considered “murky”.

The purpose of the exhibition is to show the evolution in time of activities and settlements, so it has both finds that belonged to the Crypta and evidence coming from other sites. It is looked after in a very accurate way and all its contents are well documented even from a didactic point of view, describing widely not only the evidence shown but also the historical context to which they belong.

Single ticket valid for 3 days at 4 sites (Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, Crypta Balbi and Baths of Diocletian)