The Domus Aurea in Rome: an underground palace near the Colosseum

Domus Aurea Rome underground palace interior

At this point, it is no secret that Rome is filled with amazing monuments. In fact, there is so much worth seeing that it is easy to become a victim of choice overload. Last week, though, I visited a monument close to the Colosseum that I completely fell in love with, so it only makes sense to share it on my blog. I am talking about the Domus Aurea in Rome, or “Golden House”, built by Emperor Nero. This archaeological site was completely buried, and visiting this underground palace is truly a unique experience.

What is the Domus Aurea?

Underground rooms of Nero’s Domus Aurea near the Colosseum

As mentioned in the introduction, the Domus Aurea was built by Emperor Nero. After the Great Fire of 64 AD, much of Rome was burned to a crisp, and the emperor wanted to build a new palace. The complex consisted of a series of buildings separated by gardens and vineyards. On the site where the Colosseum stands today, there was even an artificial lake.

After Nero died, his successors decided to erase all traces of the former emperor and his palace. Expensive materials like marble were removed and reused elsewhere, and afterwards the entire palace and its chambers were filled with dirt and rubble. This allowed Nero’s palace to be used as a substructure for new buildings.

Ancient frescoes inside the Domus Aurea in Rome

At the end of the 15th century, the Domus Aurea was rediscovered after someone fell into what was believed to be a cave. The site was then excavated, and the frescoes and decorations inside inspired many artists. Some of them, like Raphael, even visited the Domus Aurea and left their signatures on the walls.

What to expect when visiting the Domus Aurea

Historic walls and artwork inside Domus Aurea

Today, you can visit parts of the Domus Aurea located on the Oppian Hill. These areas were likely used for festivities and banquets and include multiple hallways, rooms, a nymphaeum, and more. There are beautifully preserved frescoes, and because the entire experience is underground, it feels truly unique.

When visiting the Domus Aurea, it is important to note that you can only enter with a guided tour, and it is not possible to explore the archaeological site on your own. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing layers, as it can get quite cold inside. The temperature is around 10 degrees, so in summer, visiting the Domus Aurea can actually be a great idea, especially when it is 40 degrees in Rome.

The visit is quite high-tech, including video projections and a VR experience. It was my first time using VR, and I found it really fun. During the VR experience, you see the palace as it once was, including the outside area with the lake, and it is very well made. If you are claustrophobic, a visit might feel uncomfortable. Not because the space is very tight, but because the idea of being underground can be a little overwhelming.

Dimly lit underground corridors of the Domus Aurea

Overall, I have never had an experience quite like this. Visiting such a palace underground is truly special, and because you need to book a guided tour, it feels more intimate and away from the crowds.

How to visit the Domus Aurea

Entrance to the Domus Aurea near the Colosseum

The Domus Aurea is currently only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and is closed on the first Sunday of the month, when many monuments in Rome are free to visit. Because you can only visit with a guided tour, I recommend buying your ticket in advance. Especially in summer, tickets are in high demand, so if you really want to visit, make sure to secure your spot early.

Tours can be booked in English, French, Spanish, and Italian, and when booking your ticket online, you can choose your preferred language. Make sure to book your ticket through the official website, as other platforms often charge higher prices. A ticket to the Domus Aurea, including the VR experience, costs €26. While this might feel like quite a lot, in my opinion, it is definitely worth it.

Tips for visiting the Domus Aurea

Book your ticket in advance
Bring layers
Wear comfortable shoes
If you are claustrophobic, it might not be for you
The lighting is not the best inside, so taking pictures can be difficult

Tip: Want some more museum inspiration in Rome? Feel free to check out my other articles!

Conclusion

The Domus Aurea is my new recommendation when people ask me for something cool to do in Rome. While securing a ticket in an English-speaking group might require some planning, I truly think a visit is worth it. Walking through this humid, cold, but stunning location is very impactful, and as I mentioned before, since there are only small groups, it feels like a nice break from the busy atmosphere around the Colosseum, which is just 200 meters away from the entrance of the Domus Aurea.

If you have visited the Domus Aurea yourself, please let me know your thoughts in the comments. And if you have any great ideas for places I should visit next, I am always open to inspiration.

With much love,

Juliette