What to See in the Reopened Western Wing of the Domus Aurea

The Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero’s legendary Golden House in Rome, continues to captivate with its grandeur and historical significance. On December 13th 2025, a major milestone was reached with the inauguration of a new entrance and the reopening of the western wing, a section of the palace that had been closed for years due to restoration and safety measures. This extension of the visit to remarkable new rooms, the portico, and the peristyle complements the immersive experience offered by virtual reality and the tour of the eastern wing of the palace, culminating in the iconic space of the Sala Ottagona (Octagonal Hall). For a firsthand experience of this must-see site, book a Domus Aurea tour.

A New Route Through Nero's Golden House

The recently unveiled entrance, marks a transformative moment for the Domus Aurea. This new access point allows visitors to traverse the western wing, beginning with the Neronian portico that stretches along the palace’s facade. Recent excavations have revealed significant portions of this imposing structure, which once boasted a series of travertine columns overlooking the valley, where the Colosseum today stands

Visitors will encounter iconic spaces such as the "Sala della Volta Gialla" (Hall of the Golden Vault), the "Sala della Volta Rossa" (Hall of the Red Vault), and the "Sala della Volta delle Civette" (Hall of the Owl-Decorated Vault), all adorned with evocative frescoes. Enhanced lighting systems have been integrated throughout these area. Sensors detect movement to adjust brightness, preserving the delicate frescoes while enhancing the visitor experience. The evocative lighting also simulates lost architectural elements, such as the towering columns of the portico, creating a stunning visual narrative.

Rediscovering the Peristyle and Lavish Interiors

The western wing’s architectural layout is dominated by a grand rectangular peristyle—a columned courtyard—central to the Domus Aurea’s design. Once open to the sky and bordered by elaborately decorated rooms, the peristyle now features reconstructions of its original appearance through backlit panels offering photorealistic views of the spaces. At its heart lies the remains of a monumental fountain, a testament to Nero’s ambition to recreate a luxurious, idyllic environment within his palace, located in the center of Imperial Rome.

The surrounding rooms include the Sala della Volta delle Civette, a large hall possibly used for ceremonial purposes, and adjacent symmetrical chambers adorned with niches and elaborate frescoes. The lower register of the frescoes portrays closed walls with miniature paintings framed in monochromatic panels, while the upper sections and lunettes open onto imagined vistas of delicate architectural perspectives. These designs, inspired by Hellenistic traditions, reveal the extraordinary skill of Roman artists in creating illusionistic and detailed interiors.

A Legacy Buried by Trajan

The splendor of the Domus Aurea was short-lived. Nero’s suicide at the age of 31 marked the end of his reign and the beginning of his erasure from Roman memory. Declared a public enemy, Nero’s luxurious palace became a symbol of excess and tyranny. Roughly 50 years after his death, Emperor Trajan ordered the Domus Aurea to be buried beneath tons of earth to eliminate Nero’s memory. In its place, Trajan constructed the grand Baths of Trajan, purposing the site for public use and solidifying his legacy as a benevolent ruler.

Ironically, Trajan’s act of reclamation preserved much of the Domus Aurea beneath layers of soil, protecting its frescoes and architectural features from centuries of wear. This inadvertent preservation allows modern visitors to experience a rare glimpse into the opulence of Nero’s Rome.

Highlights of the Western Wing

The reopening also showcases a significant collaboration with the Uffizi Galleries: the exhibition of the “Nymph with Panther” statue. This  Egyptian-inspired sculpture, crafted in fine Greek marble, evokes Nero’s fascination with art and mythology. Visitors can admire this exquisite work, displayed within the architectural framework of the Domus Aurea, until February 9, 2025.

The western wing’s restoration also emphasizes structural and aesthetic elements. For example, new walkways allow visitors to pass through original thresholds, offering views of ancient masonry and foundation techniques. Metal frameworks and subtle lighting accentuate the contrasts between Neronian and Trajanic construction, blending historical authenticity with modern innovation.

A Journey Through Time

The reopening of the Domus Aurea’s western wing is more than an unveiling of ancient spaces; it is a journey through Rome’s layered history. From Nero’s grandiose vision to Trajan’s pragmatic transformation, the site reflects shifting ideals of power, legacy, and public service.

For visitors, the experience is both a celebration of ancient artistry and a reminder of the impermanence of imperial ambition. As the visitor explores the restored portico, gazes upon reconstructed peristyles, and marvels at Nero’s opulent designs, he witnesses the enduring legacy of Rome’s architectural and cultural ingenuity

This reopening, with its blend of historical preservation and innovative storytelling, cements the Domus Aurea as a must-see destination for anyone fascinated by the grandeur and complexity of ancient Rome.