Duration
Guided tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
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Step inside the Domus Aurea and witness the grandeur of Emperor Nero’s Golden House brought to life with immersive VR technology.
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A knowledgeable guide unpacks the palace’s history, its incredible architecture, and the ongoing efforts to restore its former glory.
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Time-travel 2,000 years as you slip on a VR headset and see Domus Aurea as Nero did—gilded halls, frescoed ceilings, and lavish banquet rooms brought back to life through advanced virtual reality.
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This underground palace isn’t just another Roman ruin—it’s a rarely seen masterpiece of imperial extravagance, hidden beneath the city streets.
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Entrance ticket to Domus Aurea
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VR headset experience
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Guided tour through 12 key sites in English or Spanish (as per option selected)
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Food and beverages
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Transfers
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
A lost palace, brought to life
Step beneath Rome’s streets and enter Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero’s extravagant Golden House. This guided tour blends archaeology and virtual reality to reconstruct the palace’s original grandeur, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Roman luxury.
Getting started
Arrive at the entrance near Colle Oppio Park, where you’ll meet your expert guide. After a quick check-in, collect your VR headset and begin your journey into the ruins. Security checks are in place, so arrive early to ensure a smooth entry.
What to expect
Domus Aurea
Once an architectural marvel, Nero’s palace spanned over 300 acres, covered in gold leaf, and adorned with precious stones. Today, its ruins hint at its former magnificence.
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Immersive VR Experience – See the palace as it was 2,000 years ago, from towering frescoed halls to opulent gardens.
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Hidden Underground Chambers – Walk through dimly lit passageways that once led to lavish banquet halls.
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Expert Narration – Your guide brings the site to life with tales of Nero’s extravagant reign and the palace’s dramatic history.
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Ongoing Restoration – Learn about the efforts to preserve this lost treasure and the discoveries still being made.
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What to bring
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Valid ID for ticket validation
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Comfortable walking shoes (uneven terrain)
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Light jacket (underground areas can be cool)
What's not allowed
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Large bags, backpacks, or suitcases
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Flash photography and tripods
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Food and drinks inside the site
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Touching or leaning on archaeological structures
Accessibility
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Not wheelchair accessible due to uneven floors and stairs
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VR headset experience may not be suitable for guests with motion sensitivity
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Limited seating areas along the tour route
Additional info
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Tour duration: approx. 75 minutes
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Children under 6 may not use VR headsets
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Arrive at least 15 minutes early for security checks
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Meeting point
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Meet your guide at Via delle Terme di Tito.
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Address: Via delle Terme di Tito, 72, 00184 Roma RM.
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Landmark: At the corner between via delle Terme di Tito and via Nicola salvi, at the park side.
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Guide identifier: Your guide will be wearing a blue uniform that says "once upon a time tours" and will have a blue flag that says "once upon a time tours" to provide you with the entry tickets.
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