I read somewhere that Emperor Nero spent all kind of money building a fantastic place for himself with jewels in the walls and whatnot, underground in the area on which the Colosseum was ultimately built....I think. If its true, who knows anything about it?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14979 posts
Well, I am not an historian, and after having made one trip to Italy am certainly not an expert. The Colosseum was built on what was his lake. The palace was not actually built underground, but was covered over by the centuries before being re-discovered in the 15th century. People discovered the artwork in what they thought was caves or grottos and thus we have the name grotesque. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domus_Aurea
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I think you are talking about the Domus Aurea, or Golden House, which was built by Nero. It's been closed for restoration for years, I doubt that you'll be able to see it, but the location of the entrance is across from the Colosseum, up a little hill. Google Domus Aurea for info and images.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
I visited it when it was open for a short time, maybe 4 or 5 years ago. It was interesting, although without a really good guide, it would have been very difficult to interpret/understand. There was a (very) little art left, but mostly just the structure. You won't be seeing jeweled walls...
Posted by
Sutter Creek, CA, USA
8 posts
I was fortunate enough to visit it, with an English speaking tour back in 2005 just after it opened, but then it closed again...then opened and closed again due to the condition of the structure. it was fascinating but closed for the immediate future. here's a link with some images you may enjoy http://www.tickitaly.com/galleries/domus-aurea-rome.php
Bill