About this experience
Discover Nero’s Golden House on a guided Domus Aurea tour. Explore ancient frescoes, hidden chambers, and the fascinating history of Rome’s most extravagant palace.
Highlights
- Discovering the engineering genius behind the palace’s construction
- Walking through the grand vaulted halls of Nero’s Golden House
- Learning how the site transformed Roman art and inspired the Renaissance
- Experiencing the site in a small group setting for a personal, engaging tour
- Admiring delicate frescoes and decorations preserved underground.
What's included
- Guided tour with a licensed archaeologist or professional guide.
- Headsets (for groups over 6 participants).
- Entry ticket to the Domus Aurea.
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Step into the hidden world of Emperor Nero’s most extravagant project — the Domus Aurea, or Golden House. Once stretching across the Palatine, Oppian, and Caelian Hills, this vast palace was built after the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64. For centuries, it lay buried underground, forgotten and preserved, until its rediscovery during the Renaissance inspired artists like Raphael and Michelangelo.
On this guided small-group tour, you’ll explore one of Rome’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures with an expert guide who brings history to life. Wander through vast halls, marvel at ancient frescoes, and admire the innovative architecture that once shocked and amazed the citizens of ancient Rome.
Your guide will reveal fascinating stories of Nero’s ambition and the palace’s later transformation — from a symbol of excess to a forgotten ruin. You’ll learn how the Domus Aurea was deliberately buried under earth to erase Nero’s memory, only to be rediscovered centuries later by curious Renaissance artists who lowered themselves through holes to study the “grotesques” that would forever influence European art.
Things to note
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable clothes
- Comfortable shoes
- Jacket
Terms & conditions
-The Domus Aurea is an active archaeological site; paths may be uneven and narrow.
-The temperature inside is cooler than outside (around 10–15°C / 50–59°F year-round).
-Large bags, trolleys, and umbrellas are not permitted inside.
-The tour is conducted in small groups for a more personal experience.
-Due to preservation rules, flash photography is not allowed.
-The site is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
-Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time for check-in.