Villa Hercules

The Villa Hercules in Budapest is an archaeological site that preserves the remains of a Roman residential complex from the 2nd century A.D. The building, originally constructed for local officials, was substantially expanded in the 3rd century and fitted with water pipes, underfloor heating, wall frescoes, and mosaics before it was probably destroyed around A.D. 270 in vandal attacks. Excavations began in 1958, after the foundations of a school uncovered the remains. Today, a glass roof protects the valuable mosaics, which depict, among other subjects, the god Hercules and the nymph Deianeira, as well as the ruins of the central residential wing and a separate bathhouse. In the adjoining park, you can see parts of the ancient water supply system and sarcophagi, while the grand banquet hall on the ground floor of the neighboring school can be visited. Part of the Budapest History Museum, the site opened in 1967 but has been permanently closed for renovation work since 2007, though limited visits were occasionally possible on Sundays.