The ancient imperial palace of the Domus Aurea in Rome is once again opening its doors to the public with a series of exclusive guided experiences as part of the new Domus Aurea Highlights 2026 program.
After years of limited access, the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo has scheduled a monthly cycle of in-depth guided tours that take visitors beyond the usual paths, offering fresh perspectives on Emperor Nero’s legendary residence.
These special tours are set for the third Thursday of each month throughout 2026 and focus on distinct themes tied to the history, art and archaeology of the site.
Highlights of the 2026 Tour Series
- 19 March – Il ritratto di Nerone dalle fonti letterarie: An exploration of Nero’s image in ancient literary sources and its connection to the palace.
- 16 April – Le essenze arboree della Domus Aurea: Discover the importance of greenery and garden spaces in Nero’s grand vision.
- 21 May – Domus Aurea tra archeologia e restauro: A look at ongoing conservation and restoration efforts at the monument.
- 19 November – La luce in Domus Aurea: How light was used as a decorative and architectural element in the palace.
- 17 December – Giochi antichi in Domus Aurea: A playful finale featuring ancient Roman games and interactive elements.
Each visit lasts around 90 minutes with guided groups capped at 23 participants.
The regular price is 26€ per visit, while reduced admission for people between 18 and 25 years costs 10€ and the "free" entry still costs 8€ because that's the fixed cost for the guided visit.
This initiative gives history lovers and curious travellers a rare chance to experience the Domus Aurea in depth, uncovering lesser-known stories of Nero’s palace and its archaeological legacy.
Tickets are available on the official ticketing platform for the Colosseum.
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