Domus Aurea

Domus Aurea

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Domus Aurea: Historic Features
The Domus Aurea was strongly wanted by Nero who intended to replace the transitory Domus, so called because it was the residence passing through the Palatine Hill, the official residence of the prince, and the emperor’s estate on the Esquilino, destroyed in the terrible fire of 64 B.C. Thanks to its precious decorations and rich furniture, the residence was called Domus Aurea (Golden House). Its construction was assigned to the architects Severus and Celer and covered almost the entire center of Rome in an area of about eighty hectares between the Palatino, Esquilino, Oppio and Celio Hills. Inside it there was originally a large garden including an artificial lake, called the Stagnum Neronis, that was drained during the Flavian period to give rise to the Colosseum.

The Flavian urban renewal reduced the ancient building of the Domus Aurea only to the Oppio Hill, deprived of statues and works of art, and on it the Trajan Baths were built. Gone to rack and ruin after the Ostrogoths’ passing, the entire area was addressed to agriculture and the rediscovery of the Domus Aurea is due to curious people and to the Renaissance painters, Raphael and Pinturicchio among others, who discovered the marvels contained in the residence by descending into caves that led to the former residence, also giving rise to the artistic term Grotesque, from the word ''grotto'' or ''cave''. In particular we remember the group of the Laocoon, one of the most famous sculptures of antiquity, now kept in the Vatican Museums. After excavations that brought back the rooms, the Domus Aurea was closed in the 1980's for insurance reasons and was opened again to visitors in 1999 after restorations took place.

Domus Aurea: Description
Today the Domus Aurea covers the Oppio Hill and is composed of about 150 rooms, developing around an octagonal hall, the center of the resdience. Rooms are built in stone and are 10-11 meters high with barrel vaults. We can distinguish two sections, the western one that is thought to have been the private area of the Domus Area, and the eastern section, more magnificent and dedicated to the emperor’s parties and entertainment. The western section develops around a large rectangular garden and a portico that sorrounds it. Along its sides there are the private rooms used by Nero. Among these we remember the room with the owlets vault, so called because of its decoration, and the nymph garden of Ulysses and Polyphem, which has the name of a mosaic contained in it. The eastern section develops around an octagonal hall, at its sides there were two large yards. In this section of the palace there are the golden vaulted Hall, with a rich decoration in many colored stuccos, as well as two halls inspired by Homer’s poems, the Achilles at Sciro Hall and the Hall of Hector and Andromaca.

Domus Aurea: How to Get There
The entrance to the Domus Aurea is in Via della Domus Aurea. You can get there by bus lines 85, 87, 175, 810, 850 that stop in Coliseum/Coliseum Salvi where you can get off to arrive to the residence. The fastest way is to catch the Rome Metro (line B), getting off at Coliseum stop (line B) and from there walking about 300 meters.

Domus Aurea: Opening Hours
The Domus Aurea is open every day, except for Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.. For information call 06/39967700.

Domus Aurea: What to Visit
The Colosseum, the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, the Imperial Forum, Trajans Market, and the church of San Clemente (See Rome Churches) are all close to the Domus Aurea.

Domus Aurea: Accommodation
For some advice on where you can stay near the Domus Aurea, check out our guide Hotel in the Center of Rome  as well as our B&B Rome guide.

Domus Aurea:  Where to eat
After visiting the Domus Aurea you can dine or have lunch in one of the restaurants from our Restaurants in Rome guide.

Domus Aurea: Entertainment
For some advice on where to have a pleasant night near the Domus Aurea check out our guide to Colosseum Pubs.

More and different things to come in Rome-Explorer.com's guide to the Domus Aurea.

 
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