Schola of Trajan

"I'm updating by confirming that it's one of the most impressive and fascinating spaces. It was intended to house the college of shipbuilders and house a statue of Trajan. You'll recognize it not only for the plaques but also for the beautiful exedras at the entrance, which lead to the side vestibules. Inside are pools, a portico with remains of frescoed walls, and a room with mosaics. From here, you can access a path that leads to the synagogue area. Check out the photos and videos I've posted and the other reviews I've written about Rome and its wonders. If I've been helpful, please click "helpful" and leave a like."

Roberto Cecchini

"A site that tells a troubled and interesting story of architectural adaptations.

It was originally a domus (Domus of the Bucrani), built between 60 and 50 BC according to the typical layout of the late Republican era, with an entrance ("Fauces") on the main street, an atrium surrounded by rooms ("Atrium" and "Alae"), a dining room ("Tablinum"), and a porticoed courtyard ("Peristilium").

During the Augustan era (1st century AD), it was expanded and almost entirely replaced by a second residence (Domus of the Peristyle), owned for over two centuries by the Fabii family.

But the turbulent political events of Rome led to the confiscation of the property under Emperor Elagabalus (early 3rd century AD), which eventually became part of the imperial domain. With the change of ownership, the opulent residence underwent a radical transformation, with several renovations and changes in its intended use.

As a public building, one can note the exedra entrance directly on the Decumanus, behind which opens a vestibule with niches: the central one houses a statue of Trajan in armor. This statue indicates the building's public purpose, as it would have been unlikely to have been placed inside a private residence.

The building's public functions are still unclear today: however, the site is indicated, in the absence of valid alternative interpretations, as the college of "Fabri Navales" (shipbuilders).

The mosaics are very interesting: their details deserve careful consideration."

Maurizio Faraone

"The Schola del Traiano is one of the most fascinating and best-preserved buildings in Ostia Antica. Built in the 2nd century AD, this structure was dedicated to Emperor Trajan and served as the headquarters of an association of grain traders, one of the city's most important guilds.
The building features a large central hall, surrounded by Corinthian columns that create a majestic and solemn atmosphere. The floors are decorated with intricate mosaics depicting mythological scenes and geometric patterns, a testament to the artistic skill of Roman mosaicists. The walls, once adorned with colorful frescoes, offer a vivid impression of the life and activities that took place within the schola.
The Schola del Traiano was a meeting and discussion place for the association's members, where important decisions regarding the city's trade and economy were made. The structure is a perfect example of ancient Roman social and commercial organization, and visiting it allows you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Ostia.
Walking among the columns of Trajan's Schola offers a unique and fascinating experience, transporting visitors back in time, allowing them to appreciate the grandeur and complexity of Roman civilization."

daniele pedroni