During the restructuring of the building standing between via S. Orsola and via Maria Teresa, the internal courtyard was investigated prior to the planned construction of an underground car-park. This residential zone is part of the western sector of the Roman city which, from the end of the 3rd century A.D., was to be occupied by the Imperial palace. The monumental nature of the foundations uncovered during the course of investigations (phase III), suggests that they were part of the palace complex even though their function is unknown at the moment. _Phase I_ (1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.): a series of orthogonal grooves are interpreted as housings for beams from a wooden structure (8 x 10m) and rubbish pits (containing charcoal, animal bones and pottery). _Phase II_ (1st century A.D.): after land reclamation a building was constructed, the remains of mosaic and opus signinum pavements were identified. _Phase III_ (3rd century A.D.): an imposing structure was built connected to five pilasters which were perhaps part of the Imperial palace. _Phase IV_ (medieval period: the phase III structures appear to have been re-used as a “base” for three cisterns/silos (3.30 x 1.80 x1.20m deep; 2 x 1.40 x 1.06m deep) _Phase V_: a building was constructed of which only the west and south perimeter walls survive forming a room of at least 3.80 x 3m. Phase VI: another cistern was built in the area, of oval form (1.86 x 1.60 x 0.60m). _Phase VII_: during the Renaissance the Roman structures of the Imperial period underwent large scale alterations and robbing following the construction of several rooms, presumably basements. _Phase VIII_: cellars and an ice-house belonging to the modern building were built. (Laura Lodovici, Carla Pagani)