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Step back in time to ancient Rome and immerse yourself in the opulence of Emperor Nero’s Golden House on our expertly guided tour of the Domus Aurea. As you traverse the building’s corridors, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with intriguing historical insights and offer a vivid portrait of Nero’s life and times.
Marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate frescoes that once adorned the palace’s walls, and let your guide take you on a journey through the history of this magnificent structure. Hear tales of Nero’s lavish parties, infamous intrigues, and ultimate downfall, and learn how the Domus Aurea came to be one of the most legendary buildings in Rome.
But the journey doesn’t end there. With the aid of special virtual devices, you can now explore the palace in all its former glory, transporting yourself back in time to the days of the Roman Empire. Experience the grandeur of the palace’s stunning artwork, architecture, and design, and marvel at the sheer scale of Nero’s vision.
Our expertly guided tour of the Domus Aurea is the perfect way to delve into the fascinating history of ancient Rome and experience the grandeur of Nero’s Golden House first-hand. Don’t miss this opportunity to step back in time and discover the secrets of one of Rome’s most iconic buildings.
1.25 hours
25 minutes before the tour start time
Via della Domus Aurea, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Expert English, Italian, and Spanish Spoken Guide (By default Italian Guide)
9:30 AM to 2:40 PM (Choose any time slot)
The proximity of the Domus Aurea to the Roman Colosseum is noteworthy, as it serves as a testament to Rome’s historical might and is now among Italy’s most frequented tourist spots. With the aid of VR devices, this guided tour provides an opportunity to explore Nero’s ancient palace in all its splendor, just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum.
Starting with an overview of the historic interiors of the vast complex, an expert archaeologist guide leads the tour. The experiences are divided into two categories, with Emperor Nero’s residence being the first. This sprawling structure was constructed to provide the emperor with leisurely entertainment and was dubbed the “Golden House” due to the extensive gold leaf covering it, which sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. The interior ceilings are adorned with jewels, and the home boasts an array of rare sculptures and artwork, many of which were collected or seized from various locations. Michelangelo, Casanova, and Raphael’s intricate frescoes grace the walls, while original bronze statues of the Dying Gaul and the Galatian Suicide are also present, as is the renowned Laocoon statue, now on exhibit at the Vatican Museums.
This exclusive access tour will bring you to a genuine archaeological sanctuary where you can witness the preservation and restoration process in action and immerse yourself in the lavishness of the era. With 300 rooms to explore, this authentic archaeological site has countless wonders waiting to be discovered.
The Octagonal Room, renowned as Domus Aurea’s most popular attraction, remains remarkably well-preserved and is included in the guided tour. Serving as the primary banqueting hall, it was a central hub for entertainment during the reign of Nero.
Among its unique features was a rotating floor that replicated the movement of celestial bodies, operated by four concealed circular mechanisms beneath the surface of the room.
The Room of Achilles at Skyros is situated in the eastern wing of the building, adjacent to the Octagonal Room. Inside the Room of Achilles at Skyros, the artist Fabullus has created painted panels that adorn the central ceiling.
The Hall of Hector and Andromache is a chamber situated on the opposite side of the Octagon Suite. The decoration of its ceiling is centered around Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad, which depicts the story of the Trojan War. The ceiling is adorned with various illustrations from the Iliad, such as scenes featuring the Trojan hero Hector and his wife Andromache.
Additionally, the Hall contains many frescoes from Nero’s extensive collection of art. Nero had a particular admiration for Greek sculpture, and so it is not surprising that some of these sculptures are represented within the frescoes of the Hall of Hector and Andromache.
Visitors to the Hall will be treated to a stunning display of classical artistry that is a testament to Nero’s refined taste and appreciation for the beauty of ancient Greek culture.
The Domus Aurea, or Golden House, remained buried underground for numerous centuries before its eventual rediscovery and reconstruction. Although the palace may not resemble an airy and immaculate structure in its current state, it still maintains an impressive and awe-inspiring quality. As visitors make their way through the vast underground passageways, they are surrounded by brick walls adorned with remnants of historic frescoes and mosaics, providing a glimpse into the palace’s opulent past. The sheer scale and magnificence of the corridors and halls within the palace are sure to leave visitors in a state of speechlessness and wonder.
The opulent residence of Emperor Nero, known as the Domus Aurea, is a marvel of Roman history that has been buried underground for centuries. Today, it still remains below street level and is an unusual and challenging structure for archaeologists to excavate, but a fascinating surprise for history buffs.
The Domus Aurea is a vast labyrinth of buildings, courtyards, and parks that stretches from Palatine Hill to Esquiline Hill in Rome. Nero’s primary residence was Palatine, but several structures grew out from there, some of which were still connected to the Underground. The complex is more than just a residence; it’s like a city that sprang up around the Stagnum Neronis, an artificial lake that was later filled in to build the Colosseum.
Built in 64 AD, the Domus Aurea is one of the most magnificent buildings in Roman history. Emperor Nero constructed this huge landscaped palace in the center of ancient Rome, with lavishly embellished buildings adorned with valuable stones, ivory, and gold leaf. The outstanding wall murals were influenced by Renaissance artists and are a sight to behold.
The surroundings of Nero’s Pleasure Palace are just as stunning, with gilded walkways, beautiful fountains, and gardens separating the palace’s 300 rooms. Despite the vastness of the complex, visitors won’t feel claustrophobic thanks to the tall rooms and galleries. Observing the authentic Roman frescoes is exciting for history enthusiasts, and the knowledgeable guide provides excellent and thorough explanations of everything, helping visitors to picture how it would have appeared all those years ago.
What’s even better is that every visitor will notice something a little different every time they visit the Domus Aurea, as archaeologists are still actively working on uncovering more of the buried mysteries. The tour of the Domus Aurea with VR glasses is highly spectacular, and any Roman enthusiast would love to experience it.
In terms of topography and history, the precise record of this place provides an excellent introduction to Imperial Rome. The professional narrator ensures that the tour is engaging and helps to bring the site to life.
➤ Gain access to a special entrance to Domus Aurea and bypass lines and crowds.
➤ Admire the stunning ancient frescoes adorning the walls of Domus Aurea.
➤ Explore the Octagonal Room, a significant meeting place for Emperor Nero.
➤ Investigate the Room of Achilles and Skyros.
➤ Discover the secrets of Hector and Andromache’s Room.
➤ Enjoy a 360-degree view of the Colosseum.
➤ Hear captivating tales of the notorious Emperor Nero.
➤ Listen to fascinating Roman stories about Nero’s Golden House.
➤ Reach the summit of Palatine Hill for an exceptional view of the Forum.
➤ Enhance your tour experience with virtual reality glasses.
