Nero’s Golden House, also known as the Domus Aurea, was a grand palace built by Emperor Nero in Rome after the Great Fire in AD 64. This massive complex had beautiful gardens, artificial lakes, and lavish banquet halls decorated with stunning frescoes and mosaics.
Despite its turbulent past, the ruins of the complex still fascinate historians and visitors today. Find out why people were so surprised by it and how it inspired artists hundreds of years later.
Pro Tip! After you finish exploring the Domus Aurea, you can take a short 9-minute walk to visit the famous Colosseum, which is nearby.
Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm
Closed: Monday to Thursday
Attractions: Frescoes, Vaults, Underground Galleries & Gardens
Architectural Style: Ancient Roman
Builder: Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus
Location: Via della Domus Aurea, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
How to Experience the Domus Aurea?
The complex offers a glimpse into extravagant Roman architecture and art. However, due to the delicate nature of the site and limited space, exploring the Domus Aurea is only possible with a pre-booked guided tour. You will be transported back in time as you descend into the underground chambers of the palace.
Your guide will lead you through a maze of passageways, revealing remnants of the once-grand palace, including frescoes, stuccoes, and vaulted ceilings. Since bright light can damage the frescoes, the lighting inside the Domus Aurea is subdued. This can make it difficult to see some of the intricate details.
You can enhance your visit with a Domus Aurea virtual reality tour. The VR goggles will allow you to see the palace in its full glory, complete with its original decorations and lush gardens.
What to Expect?
After being abandoned for centuries, the palace has several hidden treasures that have come to light during ongoing excavations. There are murals and frescoes, golden vaults, garden courtyards, underground galleries, and a ton of other things to see. Not only that, but Domus Aurea’s inventive use of concrete and its architectural methods had an impact on later Roman architecture.
Key Highlights to See
The following are some of the main features that best capture the palace’s grandeur and architecture:
1. Golden Vault (Volta Dorata)
The Golden Vault is one of the most striking features of Domus Aurea.
It’s a magnificent dome covered in intricate designs of gold leaf, which gave the palace its name.
This architectural marvel was a testament to Emperor Nero’s extravagant tastes and the wealth of the Roman Empire during his reign.
Today, the remains of the vault and some of its intricate designs can be seen, but much of the original decoration is lost.
Efforts have been made to recreate its splendor through digital reconstructions and guided tours.
2. Octagonal Court (Cortile Ottagonale)
Another noteworthy feature of the palace is the Octagonal Court. It was a central area for gatherings that was encircled by porticoes and had beautiful sculptures and murals all over it.
The court has partially survived and can be explored during guided tours.
Observing the design of this central courtyard, which is encircled by the remains of porticoes, can provide you with insights into Nero’s aesthetic preferences.
3. Hall of the Masks (Sala delle Maschere)
The murals in the Hall of the Masks, which feature decorative motifs and theatrical masks, are what gave the room its name.
This room, with its ornate frescoes that once covered the walls and ceilings, exemplifies Nero’s taste for grandeur and artistic expression.
Though most of the original decoration has faded over time, remnants of these frescoes can still be seen today.
4. Vaulted Room (Sala della Volta)
The Vaulted Room exhibits Roman architectural skill with its elaborately designed vaulted ceilings.
This room served both practical and decorative purposes, reflecting Nero’s luxurious lifestyle.The Sala della Volta’s remaining vaulted ceilings and architectural elements are still visible today.
The arrangement and style of the space provide insight into the innovative structural features of Roman palatial architecture.
5. Subterranean Chambers
The Subterranean Chambers of the Domus Aurea are a network of underground rooms and corridors that were part of Nero’s extensive palace complex.
These chambers demonstrate the complexity and scale of Roman construction, as well as the luxurious and often private nature of some of the palace’s rooms. The size of the palace becomes apparent as you stroll through these historic hallways and chambers.
The chambers are often dimly lit to evoke an ancient atmosphere, and guided tours reveal the function and history of these underground spaces.
6. Baths and Gardens
7. Ongoing Archaeological Discoveries
The Domus Aurea is an active archaeological site. Ongoing excavations and research continually reveal new insights into ancient Roman life and Nero’s palace.
Archaeologists continually examine the structures that are currently in place, occasionally peeping through tiny holes or cracks to see areas that have not been thoroughly examined.
For example, the Chamber of the Sphinx was rediscovered in 2019 via a small crack in the vaulted ceiling. Some of the best specimens of first-century Roman art can be found in the palace.
You can be in awe of the elaborate frescoes that portray fantastical animals, landscapes, and mythological scenes.
Domus Aurea — A Controversial Legacy
One of the most enduring controversies surrounding the Domus Aurea is its connection to the Great Fire of Rome. Many ancient sources, including the historian Tacitus, speculate that Nero may have started the fire to clear land for his grand project. While historians debate this claim, the timing of the fire and the palace’s construction undoubtedly raised suspicions and contributed to Nero’s infamy.
The sheer extravagance of the Domus Aurea was seen as a symbol of Nero’s tyranny and disregard for the suffering of the Roman people. At a time when Rome was recovering from a devastating fire, the lavish spending on the palace was seen as a clear example of mismanagement. Nero’s actions led to widespread dissatisfaction and rebellion, culminating in his forced suicide in 68 AD.
After Nero’s death, his successors sought to distance themselves from his controversial legacy. The palace was partially dismantled, and its spaces were filled in and built over. Over time, the memory of the Domus Aurea faded, buried beneath newer structures, only to be rediscovered during the Renaissance.
Rediscovery and Preservation of Nero’s Domus Aurea
In the 15th century, Renaissance artists rediscovered the buried remains of the Domus Aurea, reviving interest in its art and architecture. The rediscovery inspires modern artists and architects through its intricate frescoes, vibrant colors, and innovative use of light and space.
You can see its influence in modern art and design, where touches of Roman style and mythological themes often appear. Preserving the palace is an ongoing challenge due to its age and the delicate nature of its ruins. Efforts include stabilizing the structure, protecting the intricate frescoes from moisture and decay, and using modern technology to understand and restore the site.
Vacatis Tips to Visit the Domus Aurea!
- The Domus Aurea is an underground complex and can be quite chilly year-round. Pack a light jacket or sweater for your comfort.
- Don’t bring a camera since photography is strictly prohibited inside the complex to preserve the delicate frescoes.
- The frescoes on the walls might be more than beautiful decorations. Ask your guide to explain the possible symbolism behind the scenes depicted.
- After your Domus Aurea tour, consider exploring nearby historical sites like the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, or the Colosseum.
- The complex can be a maze-like environment. Stay close to your tour guide and avoid wandering off on your own.