6 Comments
User's avatar
Life Lived Italian's avatar

I'm not sure if it's just that everyone I know is reading you, or if you're reading everyone's mind, but some friends from the UK who are visiting Rome soon just mentioned they want to see the Domus Aurea. You're always one step ahead!

Expand full comment
JJC in VT's avatar

Walked through the gardens on our 2024 visit but for some reason did mot visit the ruins. Next time!

Expand full comment
David Gemeinhardt's avatar

If I ever get to Rome, the Domus Aurea will be my first stop. Thanks for this piece!

Expand full comment
Jonathan Marek's avatar

Couldn't agree more!

One further tip to make this even more magical: book a ticket for the Villa Farnesina later in the day that you see the Domus Aurea. It's a 45 minute walk through the heart of Rome. When you arrive, there's a room with grotesques inspired by the Domus Aurea, plus Raphael's frescos, showing what Renaissance artists were inspired to do when they saw the same thing you just saw, both in ruins and in VR re-creation. The palpable connection through history blew me away.

Expand full comment
Mario M's avatar

You are right! There's a post or two on the blog about Villa Farnesina!

Expand full comment
Shari Saunders's avatar

I, too, was moved to tears experiencing the virtual reality presentation at the Domus Aurea. That was a few years ago, and I must return.

Expand full comment