Domus Aurea, Octagonal Hall
The Domus Aurea, located between the Esquilino, Celio and Palatine Hills, was a collection of buildings, fountains and gardens with an artificial lake in the centre and owes its name to its imposing golden dome. Today only a part of the Domus is visible, most of which has remained intact under the gardens of Colle Oppio. The excavation and maintenance works continue uninterrupted, allowing visits only on Saturdays and Sundays. During the week work continues to make it safe and to discover other important finds from the vast Neronian residence. The Domus Aurea was probably never completed. Otho and possibly Titus allotted money to finish at least the structure on the Oppian Hill; this continued to be inhabited, notably by emperor Vitellius in 69 but only after falling ill, until it was destroyed in a fire under Trajan in 104.
Inside the Domus Aurea , the temperature is always around 10 degrees Celsius with an humidity of 100%. Therefore, we recommend every visitor to bring a sweater or a sweatshirt at any time of the year, even in summer.
Be sure to be on time. If you are late, you may miss your booking and there will be no refund.
How to best experience Domus Aurea?
Discover tickets, tours, and activities for Domus Aurea through these providers:
Best Domus Aurea Tours
Rome: Domus Aurea Guided Group Tour
/5Explore Nero's incredible Golden House and relive the excesses of this ancient emperor on an exciting walking tour.
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Rome: Domus Aurea Guided Walking Tour
/5Explore Domus Aurea, the sumptuous home built at the behest of Roman Emperor Nero, on a guided walking tour. Visit what remains of the site and learn about its colorful history with an official guide.
As low as
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on GetYourGuide.com
Tickets for Rome: Domus Aurea Guided Walking Tour
/5Experience luxury through the eyes of Emperor Nero at Domus Aurea
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What is the Domus Aurea?
The Domus Aurea (Latin, “Golden House”) was a vast landscaped complex built by the Emperor Nero largely on the Oppian Hill in the heart of ancient Rome after the great fire in 64 AD had destroyed a large part of the city.It replaced and extended his Domus Transitoria that he had built as his first palace complex on the site.
When was the Domus Aurea built?
The Domus Aurea, of which today we can visit the superlative octagonal room under the gardens of Colle Oppio, was built following the fire that devastated Rome in 64 A.D. during this fire the first imperial residence of Nero was also destroyed, namely the Domus Transitoria.
Who built the Domus Aurea?
In place of the Domus Transitoria, Nero entrusted the architects Severus and Celer with the construction of a new, large and luxurious villa: the Domus Aurea. It was built in just over four years (64-68 A.D), as a testimony of the emperor’s power and his glory, and was decorated by the famous painter Fabullus. The immense complex included party pavilions, spas with normal and sulphurous water, several banquet rooms.
What was the Domus Aurea used for?
The Golden House (Domus Aurea) was a Roman palace complex built on the slopes of the Palatine, Esquiline, Oppian and Caelian hills in Rome by Emperor Nero. The palace was Nero’s personal entertainment complex, designed to host his lavish parties .
General information
Useful information for your visit to the Domus Aurea.
Location
The Domus Aurea is located between the Esquilino, Celio and Palatine Hills. The address is: Via della Domus Aurea
Opening hours
To visit the Domus Aurea the times are as follows:
- Thursday afternoon: 16 p.m. – 19 p.m.
- Friday- Saturday- Sunday: 09.15 am – 17.00 pm
How to get to the Domus Aurea
To reach the Domus Aurea:
Metro: line B to Colosseo, (click to see the guide to the Metro)
Buses: 51, 85,87
Taxi: an effective way to get around Rome (click to see the guide to taxis in Rome). Taxis cannot drop you off right at the entrance of the Domus since the park is a car-free zone. Taxis can drop you at the park entrance from where you can get the main door with a less than 2 minute walk.
Limo service (NCC): (click to see the guide to limo services in Rome) the park is a car-free zone.
Attractions nearby
- Colosseum (170 m)
- Roman Forum (550 m)
- Arch of Costantine (700 m)
- Palatine Hill (1 km)
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