Visit the Domus Aurea and prepare to feel tiny. Huge halls and exaggerated decorations, Nero will show you the thrill of excess. But don’t worry, you’re in Rome—there’s always a carbonara to lift your spirits.
Rome’s golden palace that will make you feel small
Nero never did anything on a small scale, and the Domus Aurea is the perfect example. Located in the heart of Rome, Nero’s golden residence stretched over hectares of land, with rooms decorated in gold and elaborate mosaics. Built after the Great Fire of 64 AD, this villa was more than just a palace: it was a symbol of an oversized ego. All of this topped with light shows that could make a movie set jealous.
Today, walking through the corridors of the Domus Aurea, you’ll realize that Nero spared no expense. The halls, once filled with lavish feasts, seem to whisper echoes of grandeur, while the walls tell stories of a past where opulence was the norm. Sadly, it didn’t last long. After Nero's death, the Domus was buried and forgotten, until it was rediscovered during the Renaissance. Since then, it has continued to inspire artists throughout history. And if you visit today, you’ll understand why.
From ashes to gold
In 64 AD, Rome was burning, and Nero was likely not playing the lyre. But from the ruins came his grand residence: the Domus Aurea, a statement of grandeur that occupied entire districts of Rome.
Buried and rediscovered
After Nero’s death, the Domus Aurea was almost immediately buried. The emperors that followed couldn’t stand the thought of living in the shadow of his megalomania. Yet, centuries later, its golden halls were rediscovered by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and Raphael, who were amazed by the beauty of its decorations.
From paradise to landfill
The Domus Aurea didn’t have an easy life after its glory days. It even became a landfill during the Middle Ages, with residents throwing waste into its underground cavities. But when it was finally unearthed, the frescoes inside became an inspiration for generations of artists.
Nero’s colossal statue
Nero wasn’t satisfied with a simple statue. In the garden of the Domus Aurea, there stood a colossal statue over 30 meters high… guess of whom? Yes, of Nero himself. And yes, it was this statue that gave the Colosseum its name.
Royal parties
It’s said that Nero hosted extravagant banquets every evening in his golden residence. Kind of like a Roman version of Coachella, but with more wine and less Instagram.
Perché te lo consiglio
Te lo consiglio perché la Domus Aurea rappresenta perfettamente i difetti umani: l’ego, il desiderio di grandezza e la mania di controllo. Ma lo fa in un modo talmente spettacolare che non puoi fare a meno di rimanere a bocca aperta.
Perché non te lo consiglio
Non te lo consiglio perché, se sei allergico all’eccesso o non sopporti gli ambienti freddi, questo tour sotterraneo potrebbe non essere per te.
Why I Recommend It
I recommend it because the Domus Aurea perfectly captures human flaws: ego, the desire for grandeur, and a thirst for control. But it does so in a way so spectacular, you can’t help but be awed.
Why I Don't Recommend It
I don’t recommend it because, if you’re allergic to excess or can’t stand cold environments, this underground tour might not be for you.
