Domus Aurea

Plan of the octagonal hall

The Domus Aurea, Latin for “Golden House,” was an opulent and extravagant palace built by the Roman Emperor Nero in the heart of ancient Rome. The palace was constructed after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, which destroyed a significant portion of the city.

Nero's Domus Aurea was known for its grandeur and luxury. It covered a vast area of ​​approximately 100-300 acres and included lush gardens, artificial lakes, vineyards, and even a large statue of Nero himself, the Colossus of Nero. The interior of the palace was adorned with sumptuous decorations, including frescoes, marble, and precious gems. It is said that Nero had the ceilings of the palace covered in ivory and that he loved the experience of dining in rooms that could rotate, creating an ever-changing view.

After Nero's death in 68 AD, his successors sought to distance themselves from his excesses and the Domus Aurea was gradually filled in and covered over. The Flavian emperors, Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian, built the Colosseum on the site of the palace lake to reclaim the space for public use. The construction of the Colosseum marked the end of the Domus Aurea's existence as a grand palace.

In the following centuries the ruins of the Domus Aurea were largely forgotten and buried under later constructions. It was only in the Renaissance that the remains of the palace were rediscovered. Artists and architects of the time, including Raphael and Michelangelo, were inspired by the decorative motifs and architectural elements found within the ruins.

Today, visitors to Rome can take guided tours of the underground remains of the Domus Aurea, which offer a glimpse into the opulence of Nero's palace and its historical significance. The site also presents ongoing conservation challenges due to its underground location.

The Domus Aurea remains a fascinating archaeological site, offering insights into the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient Rome.