2014-10-29 15:52:00

Rome's Domus Aurea re-opens to the public


(Vatican Radio) Rome’s famed Domus Aurea built by the Emperor Nero has re-opened to the public following a six year restoration project.

Lydia O’Kane went along to see this work in progress. Listen

It’s taken six years, countless hours of work and a team of archeologists,  but now the Domus Aurea or Golden House situated on the Oppian Hill just a stone’s throw away from the Colosseum in central Rome has partially re-opened to the public.

The Domus built by the Emperor Nero was closed following concern over cave-ins due to water seepage and there was more misfortune to come when in 2010 a part of the monument called the Trajan’s gallery collapsed after heavy rainfall.

Fedora Filippi, Director of the monument  says it has been an inspiration for great buildings in Europe and around the world.

“You can see something of the Domus Aurea in the decoration in the palaces, in the Vatican”

To be inside this structure is a veritable feast for the eyes where frescos dominate the walls and highs arches and ceilings highlight the grandeur of this 2000 year old site.

But although the Domus Aurea has re-opened it is still very much a work in progress and still needs 31 million euro in funding in order for the restoration work to continue in areas such as the vast but neglected garden.

In order to highlight the painstaking work that has and continues to be done, SKY Arts HD was given unprecedented access to the restoration process and has made a documentary called Domus Aurea – Nero’s Dream.

Director of SKY Arts HD is Roberto Pisoni

“Maybe for the first time we entered here with HD cameras , so it’s a sort of first discovering of this place with the HD technology.”

So, after years of waiting tourists can now enjoy the history and splendor of the Domus every Saturday and Sunday for a tour which lasts a hour and a quarter. Booking is essential for groups of up to 25 people and don’t be surprise if you are can’t to put on a protective helmet.

 

 








All the contents on this site are copyrighted ©.