Dover (Portus Dubris) Lighthouse & Painted House – Quick Facts
Where
Dover, Kent

Roman Lighthouse
When
- One of two lighthouses built on the cliffs of Dover, possibly dating from the late first century.
- Located in Dover Castle beside St. Mary’s Church.
What Remains
- Well preserved four story lighthouse.
Roman Painted House
When
- Mansio, or official transit hotel, built around AD 200.
- Located outside the north gate of the Roman naval fort and was used by Roman officials traveling between Britannia and Gaul.
- Demolished around AD 270 to make way for a large Saxon Shore fort. Several rooms were backfilled with rubble and this protected wall paintings from destruction.
What Remains
- The best-preserved in situ Roman finely painted wall plaster on any site north of the Alps.
- Designs relating to the worship of Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry.