I just booked a tour of this fascinating site, newly opened for visits with a guide (only Saturdays and Sundays):
http://www.coopculture.it/en/events.cfm?id=268
You can read more about it and see photos here (but book on the CoopCulture site above):
http://www.tickitaly.com/galleries/domus-aurea-rome.php
I mention this because it is not in Rick's 2015 Rome book and many have not heard of it.
Lola, my husband and I literally stumbled into a tour for this amazing site 6 or 7 years ago when it was opened for a very brief time. We ended up on a small tour of Italian college students and of course, the tour was entirely in Italian. Even though neither of us speak any but the most rudimentary Italian, we enjoyed the tour immensely. I can only imagine what it must be like now with more of the site open and more easily accessible. I will save your post in the hopes of a return and more comprehensive visit. Thanks for posting. I know you will enjoy your visit.
Yes, we are very excited! They offer the tours in English now.
When I first heard of this (from another travel forum) I made a note on my planning calendar to book it when the booking window opened for our dates. I was away visiting grandchildren on that day and didn't get to the booking until a few days later (yesterday). There were only 5 slots left and we got two of those. I am glad I didn't miss out!
We did this tour this past May. It is indeed fascinating. What you might not know is that it's VERY chilly in there because of an underground spring that runs through it, even on the hottest days.
Thanks, Lola!
Does anyone know what the difference is in the two types of tours? There is a 'didactic tour' that shows several English tours a day, then there are English tours that seem to only be offered three times a day. It looks like I can only access tickets for the latter type of tour, but I'd much rather take a 9:15am tour than a 12:00 tour. I know what 'didactic' means; are these tours more in-depth perhaps?
Of course, my trip isn't until April 2016, so I'm not holding my breath that the Domus Aurea will be open then (sigh)...but this is definitely going on my Rome list!
Good luck, Lola, that it's open on your day! Fingers crossed...
Thanks for the warning about the cold, Michael. I will bring along a jacket.
Eileen---if I figure out the difference between the "didactic" and "non-didactic???" Tour I will let you know.
I believe the "didactic" tours are for school groups, not private citizens. Oh, and be prepared to look like this before you enter:
https://flic.kr/p/yr8hZb
Who knew a hairnet and construction helmet could be so fetching a combination?
Nice!
So that is what we get to wear? Can't wait---it has been years since I donned a hard hat.
So happy you found this Lola! I looked 10-14 days ago for arriving guests and it was temporarily closed with no ticketing going on . It pays to check back!
And yes it is freakin' cold in there! The hard hats are quite a glamour statement, though.
I am a bit jealous right now, the Domus Aurea is on my must see list for when I return to Italy.
