Domus Augustana

Step onto the hallowed ground of the Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome itself. We stand now at the threshold of the Domus Augustana, the private residential core of the massive imperial palace complex. …

As we enter the northern part of the Domus Augustana, we find ourselves in what was once a grand upper peristyle. A peristyle is essentially a courtyard surrounded by a colonnade, and here, it served as a transition between the…

We now descend into the lower level of the Domus Augustana, arriving at the magnificent sunken peristyle. This is arguably the most photographed part of the palace, and for good reason. …

Moving to the eastern edge of the complex, we encounter one of the most impressive structures on the Palatine: the Stadium of Domitian, also known as the Hippodrome. This massive, elongated space, measuring some 160 meters in…

We now stand on the southern terrace of the Domus Augustana, at a point known as the South Exedra. This curved architectural feature served as a grand facade facing the Circus Maximus and the Aventine Hill beyond. …

As we move into the internal clusters of rooms within the Domus Augustana, we enter what were the actual living quarters of the imperial family. These rooms are smaller and more numerous than the grand halls of the Domus Flavia. …

We conclude our tour of the Domus Augustana at the edge of the Farnese Gardens, or 'Orti Farnesiani.' These gardens, established in the 16th century by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, are among the oldest botanical gardens in…

Our exploration of the Domus Augustana has taken us into the very heart of Roman imperial power. We have walked through the private halls where emperors once stood, seen the intricate fountains that cooled their summers, and…