Reopening of Nero's Domus Aurea Pleasure Palace in Rome After Emergency Repairs for Safety Concerns

ROME (12/19/2006) - It was announced today that Nero's pleasure palace, the Domus Aurea or Golden House, closed for over a year, will reopen next month for public visitation. The Domus Aurea, a popular site with tourists, was closed down due to safety concerns in December, 2005 because of water leaks causing fear that it might collapse.

The Italian government has pledged $5.27 million in funds to repair the famous Domus Aurea and other archaeological sites from erosion.

The Domus Aurea was "rediscovered" in 1506 by Italian Renaissance artists who admired its frescoed walls and classical Greek sculpture which were collected for the Domus Aurea by Nero during his brief reign 2000 years ago. Nero's decorators made extensive use of gold leaf in the Domus Aurea.

Only about half of the original 32 rooms in the Domus Aurea previously open to the public will reopen.

Brenda Harness, Art Historian

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