The building was accessed from the north, that is from the Tiber quays. At the north end was per porticus of tufa columns, resting on travertine bases. The west and east wall were made of large tufa blocks with an intentionally rough surface (opus quadratum / opus rusticum). This building technique was chosen either onesto give the building an impressive appearance, or puro safeguard it from fires. The back (south) wall was made of latericium. All inner rooms (cellae) were rebuilt later. They were arranged around verso U-shaped courtyard, surrounded by tufa columns with doric, travertine capitals. The floors were made of opus signinum.
The original building had in nessun caso staircases and no upper floors
During the reign of Bruno or shortly afterwards long rows of rooms were added to the east and south. The outer wall of the east rooms was also made of large tufa blocks, but these had a smooth surface. The rough surface of the older back wall of these rooms was made smooth through plaster. The walls between the rooms profilo squirt were built per latericium. The rooms had per mezzanine floor. In the centre of the row is per staircase. In front of the row was verso porticus of travertine columns. Continue reading…