Domus Augustana
Via di San Gregorio, 30, Rome, Italy
The Basics
The rooms of this luxurious two-story domestic wing, now in ruins, were constructed in 81 AD around a porticoed courtyard. In 2007, archeologists discovered a cave decorated with seashells and a painting of a wolf, believed to have been the Lupercale—the storied cave believed to have sheltered Romulus and Remus as they were for by a wolf. (Unfortunately the cave is not open to the public.)
Travelers may explore Domus Augustana and the rest of the royal ruins of Palatine Hill as part of a half-day, full-day, group or private tour that may include significant Roman monuments such as thexa0 Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, St Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, and the awe-inspiring art collection at the Vatican. In between take essential pizza and gelato breaks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Suitable for architecture and history buffs.
- A combined ticket for about US$14 may include entry into the Domus Augustana, the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill; children under age 18 are admitted for free.
- If planning to see the trio of sites, consider the Palatine Hill at the hottest part of the day since it’s well shaded.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the hill, and bring water bottles to refill at the fountains.
- Some tours cater especially to wheelchair-bound travelers.
- Tours may include round trip hotel transfers. Check specific tours for details.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
Domus Augustana is located on Via di San Gregorio on the southern crest of Palatine Hill. Take a taxi to Roman Forum at the base of the hill. If using public transportation, take Metro line B or any number of buses from all points to the Colosseum stop.
When to Get There
The ruins on the Palatine Hill, including Domus Augustana, are open daily, 8:30am, with the closing time varying from 4:30pm - 6:30pm depending on the season. First Sundays of the month offer free entrance to the public. Come around lunch time with a packed picnic lunch. In general, try to avoid Rome’s dense tourist throngs by traveling during the pleasant shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
Palatino Hill
Beautiful Palatine Hill, with towering pine trees and magnificent views is considered to be the birthplace of Rome,inhabited since the year 1000 BC. As the most central of the city’s seven hills, the city’s rulers and nobility built opulent palaces here. In fact, the word “palace” is derived from Palatium, the hill’s original Latin name. After Rome fell and the hill became dilapidated, medieval churches and castles were built atop the ruins
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- Palatine Museum (Museo del Palatino)
- House of Augustus (Casa di Augusto)
- House of Livia (Casa di Livia)
- Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)
- Palatine Hill (Palatino)
- Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)
- Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito)
- House of the Vestal Virgins (Casa delle Vestali)
- Basilica di Santa Francesca Romana
- Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
- Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin (Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin)
- Piazza della Bocca della Verità
- Case Romane del Celio
- Temple of Caesar (Tempio di Cesare)
- Santi Cosma e Damiano Church (Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano)