Domus Aurea Tour with WEST WING & Virtual Reality Experience
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us to uncover traits of Nero's personality, tastes, and his sharp intellect. Because he was far from mad, the bizarre figures in his frescoes reflect his eccentricity while showcasing no less his artistic sensitivity.
Get ready to be amazed as you explore with our engaging guide the EAST and recently reopened WEST WINGS of the Domus Aurea, discovering vaulted halls and stunning hallways, with spectacular frescoes properly restored, originally bathed in delicate beams of light, thanks to the genial combination of porticoes, fountains, and gardens. Up to the impressive OCTAGONAL ROOM, perhaps with a rotating ceiling. Incredible technique, but not for Imperial Rome, where we will take you on a journey among people, goods, cultures from its vast empire.
The PEAK of our visit is a 3D VIRTUAL REALITY RECONSTRUCTION of the halls and an outside lavish portico of the Palace, not yet completed when Nero committed suicide.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Intimate small-group experience.
A licensed English-speaker guide expert in history or archaeology
Domus Aurea skip-the-line tickets with direct access to the site.
Any foods and drinks.
What To Expect
Domus Aurea
Just 4 years after the great fire, a catastrophe unlike any other, destroying two-thirds of the city, causing thousands of deaths. Nero also takes advantage of the destroyed areas to expand his palace on the Palatine Hill, building the Domus Aurea. However, the discontent among the Romans continues to rise, the emperor's popularity collapses, and he is driven to take his own life in June 68 AD. The next emperor, Vespasian, decides to build the Colosseum in place of Nero’s lake. By creating a venue for the already popular gladiator games, he wins the favor of the Romans while simultaneously distancing himself from the policies of the now infamous Nero. Fifty years later, the emperor Trajan buries the Nero’s Golden House, building an immense bath complex above it. The Domus Aurea then falls into oblivion. It’s rediscovered by Renaissance artists in the 1500s. From there begins the rediscovery of Ancient Rome’s forgotten cultural heritage, which you’ll experience on our tour.
Options
Domus Aurea English Tour
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This tour wasn’t...
Elizabeth E,
Jun 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour wasn’t specifically for kids but our children loved it. I have been to Rome many times and have always wanted to go to Nero’s palace, and it is worth it. My children really enjoyed the experience.
Only Buy Official Ticket
Kate B,
Jun 20, 2025
- Viator
3.00Important to know that the tour we paid for includes only a 20 minute lecture (done beautifully). Then, the guide/lecturer hands you off to the Domus Aurea's internal tour guides. No outside guides are allowed in and you can't just walk around on your own. You have to be part of the official tour. We paid for a "small tour" and the first 20 minutes outside was 4 of us (4 didn't show up), but the internal tour was more like 30 people with a very nice guide who spoke very broken English so it was hard to follow. I would recommend JUST buying the official ticket and NOT getting a tour from an outside vendor as they are not allowed in the facility. The internal ticket includes the tour and amazing virtual reality experience. For probably a LOT less money.
Fascinating trip into Ancient Rome
Cynthia F,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Tour was fascinating - a mini Pompei right inside Rome. Incredibly well preserved frescos and such an interesting story. Tour guide was knowledgeable. Although brief, the VR tour was worth it. Best part though, might have been the fact that, being underground, it was a cool 65 degrees F on a 90 degree F day in Rome.
Great experience specially the VR
Brigida I,
May 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00The place is huge so wear comfy walking shoes. It was so incredible how it was built and the beauty.
Great Tour - VR Amazing, Even if Short
Lisa B,
Apr 25, 2025
- Viator
4.00Overall, it was a really good experience and very unique. We loved the VR part of the tour the best. It was amazing to see Nero's palace come alive and see how the site looked throughout time with the short video. The site itself was beautiful and full of history. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars: while the tour guide at the start for the history part was lovely, I felt one had to know a lot of the history before the tour to really appreciate it. I studied art history in college; my partner did not. I came to the tour knowing a lot about Rome, Nero, and the Great Fire, but my partner said he left the history part still feeling confused about the timeline and Nero. The other reason it didn't get 5 stars was because, while amazing, the VR section was too short, and my googles wouldn't totally focus, so part of the experience felt "blurry." I would do the tour again, but I would recommend people unfamiliar with Nero read up on him and the Great Fire first to have a deeper appreciation of the site.
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Operated by Open Mind Tours