About Domus Aurea
What to see at the Domus Aurea
The Octagonal Complex at Domus Aurea was built by Emperor Nero, and was one of the largest and most lavish imperial palaces of its time. The complex consisted of an octagonal courtyard, surrounded by a colonnade of marble columns. There were also several reception rooms, a private apartment, and a bath suite in this complex. The complex was decorated with lavish mosaics, marble statues, and paintings. It was one of the most impressive examples of Roman architecture and engineering of its time.
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The mosaic ceilings at Domus Aurea are some of the most beautiful and intricate ceilings in Rome. They were created in the 1st century AD, as a commission work by Nero. The ceilings are covered in hundreds of tiny tiles, each one placed perfectly to create a work of art. The colours are bright and vibrant, and the patterns are intricate and detailed. The ceilings are truly a sight to behold, and they are one of the reasons that Domus Aurea is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome.
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With your Domus Aurea tickets, you can also admire the many wall paintings here. The wall paintings at Domus Aurea are some of the most well-preserved and detailed examples of Roman frescoes. The subject matter includes a mix of classical mythology and scenes from daily life. The colours are still vibrant and the level of detail is astounding. These paintings give us a rare glimpse into the everyday life of the wealthy Roman elite.
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In the year 64 AD, the great fire of Rome burned for six days, leveling much of the city. In its wake, Emperor Nero had a grand vision for a new palace, Domus Aurea, which would be even grander than anything that had come before. Construction began in 68 AD, but it was not long before Nero's enemies began to plot against him. In the centuries that followed, the palace slowly fell into ruin. In the early 21st century, archaeologists began a grand project to excavate and restore the palace.
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Architectural Highlights of Nero’s Golden House
The West Wing is the most well preserved area of the Domus Aurea complex. It is also a great place to learn about the luxuries that this palace once had. The west wing is spread across 2 storeys and boasts of over 130 rooms, each of which has ceilings that are almost 11 metres high. You can enter the west wing through the Sacra from the Forum. The wing was lavishly decorated with marble, mosaics, and tapestries, and its rooms were filled with expensive furniture and sculptures.
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You cannot miss out on admiring the wide array of wall paintings or frescoes that decorated Nero’s Golden House. A lot of these frescoes were done by Famulus, a roman painter, who was also known as the “floridly extravagant artist.” The frescoes of the Domus Aurea are some of the most intricate and beautiful frescoes ever created. They depict a variety of scenes from Greek and Roman mythology, as well as everyday life. The colours and detail are amazing, and the overall effect is stunning.
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During your visit to the Domus Aurea, you can also see the ruins of the Domus Transitoria, which was a temporary palace built by the Emperor Nero in Rome. It was located between the Domus Aurea and the Roman Forum. The palace used to connect Nero’s imperial holding in Palatine Hill to the Esquiline zone but was destroyed in AD 64. Some of the parts of Domus Transitoria that are still accessible today include the Nymphaeum of Polyphemus, found under the baths of Livia.
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Also known as Colossus Neronis, the Colossus of Nero is a 98-feet-tall bronze statue of this Roman emperor. The statue was a representation of Nero as the Sun God Sol Invictus, and it was one of the largest statues in the ancient world. It was originally located in a vestibule in Domus Aurea, but was then moved to the Colosseum. The statue was supposedly destroyed during an earthquake in the 5th century. The only thing that remained was the base of the statue, which is located near the Colosseum.
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History of Nero’s Golden House
You can use your Domus Aurea tickets to learn about the history of this structure, which began with a grand plan in AD 64. It was during this time that a fire ravaged the city of Rome for 6 days, destroying a lot of age-old palaces and luxury villas around the Palatine Hill. This included the Domus Transitoria, a palace complex of Emperor Nero. Owing to its destruction, Nero ordered the construction of the Domus Aurea, or the Golden House. This would be the grandest estate that would have ever been built in the Roman empire till then.
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Upon the order by Nero, the construction of Domus Aurea began rather quickly. However, since he was descending into madness, the king had already killed his wife and mother. Regardless, the construction of the estate was well underway, with the structure sprawling across hundreds of areas, with many hundred rooms, marble pavilions, atriums, gardens as well as fountains and other elements. The construction of Domus Aurea took 4 years to complete. However, by AD 68, Nero was already banished from Rome, and had consequently committed suicide.
When Nero’s rule was over, a Damnatio Memoriae was issued by the senate, to condemn the dead emperor’s memory. Due to this, certain sections of the Domus Aurea were built upon by the other emperors, which include the construction of a Colosseum over the lake in the estate. Over time, the Domus Aurea became lost, with another city evolving over it. As a final blow, the remains of the estate were filled in with dirt and brick, for the construction of Emperor Trajan’s grand baths.
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Centuries later, in the 15th century during the Renaissance period, the ruins of the Domus Aurea were rediscovered. The prevailing story recounts a young Roman who stumbled upon this remarkable find by accidentally descending through a crevice in a Roman hillside. To his astonishment, he found himself within a cave adorned with exquisite paintings. This chance discovery swiftly attracted the attention of archaeologists and artists in Rome, among them renowned figures like Michelangelo and Raphael. They flocked to the site to marvel at the artistic treasures within, contributing to the legacy of admiration that the Domus Aurea's intricate artworks had amassed over time.
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As of today, discoveries are still being made in the Domus Aurea area. However, it is important to note that the process is rather long and strenuous, with many sections of the complex being located under the buildings that sit on it. Today, the Domus Aurea is a popular tourist destination, and is one of the most well-preserved examples of Roman architecture.
Plan Your Visit
- Opening Hours: Domus Aurea remains open between 09:00 a.m. to 06:15 p.m. from Friday to Sunday.
- Location: Domus Aurea is located in the Parco del Colle Oppio, just opposite to the Colosseum. Its location is: Via della Domus Aurea, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.
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By Metro: You can avail a metro ride on line B (blue line) and get off at the Colosseo station, which is located a 5-minute walk from Domus Area.
By Bus: When coming to the Domus Aurea by bus, you can avail a ride on bus numbers 51, 85 and 87 and get off at the Colosseo bus stop, from where the landmark is just 5 minutes away.
By Car or Taxi: You can also take a taxi or drive to Domus Aurea, which will take you all the way to the park entrance, which is just 2 minutes away from the main entrance of the landmark.
The best time of day to visit Domus Aurea would be in the morning, when the sun has just risen. This is when the weather is quite pleasant, and there are lesser crowds here. Additionally, the light during this time would be soft and the colours would be muted, giving the ruins an ethereal look.
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Domus Aurea, or Nero’s Golden House, is an active archaeological site, and is one of the best places to visit in Rome, especially if you are a history buff.
Children under the age of 13 years, or visitors with epilepsy or serious eye conditions, are not recommended to go on the multimedia tour here, since it uses the Oculus Rift VR glasses.
It is best to wear comfortable shoes when visiting Domus Aurea, since you will have to walk a lot here.
The monument is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
FAQs
Is the Domus Aurea worth visiting?
Yes, the Domus Aurea is surely worth visiting. The Domus Aurea is a vast complex of palaces and gardens built by the Roman Emperor Nero. After the great fire of Rome in 64 AD, Nero seized the opportunity to build a lavish new palace for himself on the site of the fire. The Domus Aurea was one of the most ostentatious buildings of the ancient world, and it remained one of the largest private residences ever built until the 19th century. Today, the ruins of the Domus Aurea are a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the remains of the palace and see some of the incredible frescoes that decorated its walls.
What is the Domus Aurea famous for?
The Domus Aurea is famous for its opulent rooms, in addition to the grotesque paintings and frescoes that decorate the walls and ceilings of this structure.
What are the visiting hours of Domus Aurea?
The visiting hours of Domus Aurea are between 09:00 a.m. and 06:15 p.m. from Friday to Sunday.
What is the best time to visit Domus Aurea?
The best time to visit Domus Aurea is in the morning, before the crowds arrive. You'll have the place nearly to yourself, and the light is beautiful as it streams in through the windows.
From where can I book Domus Aurea tickets?
The Domus Aurea tickets are available online from our wbesite as well as offline at the ticketing counters of the landmark. However, it is best to avail them online. This will help you to enjoy a wide array of discounts and other inclusions as well, thereby making your visit all the more enjoyable.
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What is the best way to book Domus Aurea tickets?
The best way to book the Domus Aurea tickets is to pre-book them online from our website. By doing so, you will be able to skip the long lines at the ticketing booths, and enjoy a quick and hassle-free entry into the attraction. Additionally, you will also be able to save some money on your booking, since online tickets often include several discounts.
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What can I expect from a Domus Aurea tour?
A Domus Aurea tour offers a captivating journey into ancient Rome's opulence. You'll explore Nero's lavish palace, Domus Aurea, with expert guides, marveling at its stunning frescoes and architecture. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in history and art during your Domus Aurea tour.
What can I expect from Nero's Palace Tour?
Nero's Palace Tour offers a captivating journey through the opulent remains of Nero's lavish palace. You'll explore ancient Roman architecture, stunning frescoes, and learn about the infamous Emperor Nero's life. This guided tour provides unique insights into the history and decadence of this iconic historical site.
What can I expect from Nero's Golden House tour?
Nero's Golden House tour offers a captivating journey through the opulent palace of Emperor Nero. You'll explore exquisite frescoes, intricate architecture, and learn about the history of this lavish residence. Don't miss the chance to witness the grandeur of ancient Rome on this remarkable Nero's Golden House tour.
How can I access the Domus Aurea entrance?
To access the Domus Aurea entrance, you can book guided tours or tickets online through the official website or visit the onsite ticket office. The entrance is usually located on Via della Domus Aurea, Rome, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore Nero's opulent palace ruins.
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