A visit to the recently reopened archeological restoration site of the Domus Aurea in Rome has been enhanced thanks to the introduction of new multimedia installations.
Two new hi-tech elements make the visit even more evocative. At the start of the visit, a video story illustrates the history of the villa, built by Emperor Nero in the heart of ancient Rome, after the great fire of 64 AD had erased the aristocratic residences on the slopes of the Palatine Hill. The video features 3D reenactments of the original spaces.
In addition, in the Sala della Volta Dorata (Golden Vault Room), special stereoscope viewers (3D viewing devices) will allow visitors to view the room as it was in Nero’s time, covered with colorful marbles and frescoes, facing the gardens and full of light.
These 3D elements add to the fascination: walking through the rooms of the villa accompanied by archeologists and art historians will transport you back to ancient Rome and to the splendor of this sumptuous residence which was thought to measure 300 acres that included rooms, galleries, gardens and pastures stretching all the way to the Esquiline.
Within the residence, there was even a lake; after Nero’s death, emperor Vespasian had the lake drained to build the foundations of the Colosseum, which was to become the largest amphitheater ever built dedicated to the people of Rome. Fun fact: the original name of the Colosseum is Flavian Amphitheater, from the Flavian dynasty Vespasian and his successor Titus belonged to. The name Colosseum derives from the huge, 41-meter high statue of Nero placed in the vestibule of his villa, known as Colosso (meaning giant, behemoth).
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 4:45 pm (last entry 3:30 pm) until December 31, 2017.
To buy your ticket, click here.
