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A belated new year’s treat for everyone visiting Rome from the 30th of January next year. The Domus Aurea or Golden House will be partially opened again for small groups of tourists. This excellent site is located between the Colosseum and the train station Termini and is conveniently situated in walking distance from My Hotel Rome.

This amazing palace was built by possibly the most insane person ever to rule over Rome. Nero built this house after the great fire of Rome, which he blamed the Christians for starting. However many people thought contrary and said that Nero probably had the fires started himself to make space for this sprawling complex.

The Golden House was so called because its walls were covered in gold leaves. The walls and ceilings were also encrusted with pearls and ivory. The surrounding grounds, before being buried buy Trajan , who then used the remains of the house for the foundation of the baths, contained magnificent gardens. There was even a giant gold statue of Nero himself on the premises.

The building of the house commenced in A.D. 64 and was finished in the same year in which Nero killed himself which was A.D. 68.

The house had a main room which also revolved with the direction of the sun and there was an entrance where guests would enter and petals and perfume would rain down upon them. The house even had hot and cold bathwater. Quite an architectural and design accomplishment for almost 2000 years ago.

The Domus Aurea is also the house of beautiful frescoes on the wall, which tourists will be able to see upon entering the house. There will be scaffolding available and you can get a really good detailed view of the frescoes while the restorers are painstakingly repairing them.

4 million euros will be spent over a period of 2 years to repair the damage that was done to the house last year after heavy rain caused water damage. When you go to visit the museum, even in summer, take some warm clothing with you. The area has to be kept at an even temperature of 10 degrees and it is also very humid.

Location : Via della Domus Aurea – Giardini di Colle Oppio

Area : Termini – Esquilino – Metro Stop : Line A Termini / Line B Cavour

Opening hours : 09.00 am -7.45 pm

Booking in advance only on +39 06 39967700