House of Augustus (Casa di Augusto)
The Basics
Roman Emperor Augustus built his opulent Domus Augusti (or Augustus' House) adjacent to the Temple of Apollo on Palatine Hill and decorated the inside with sumptuous frescoes that can still be seen during a private tour of the palace today. A number of palaces and villas built during the Roman empire are located in this archaeological complex, as well as the Palatine Museum, home to a collection of artifacts and a reconstruction of the huts where Rome's founder Romulus and his brother Remus lived.
The House of Augustus and other Palatine Hill ruins are not easy to interpret, as they are much less preserved than those in the Roman Forum. To best understand the palace's role in Roman history, join an Ancient Rome private tour that includes special access to the House of Augustus and the House of Livia (Augustus' wife), along with other ancient Roman monuments like the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
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Things to Know Before You Go
The ruins are only open to guided tours reserved in advance, so booking a House of Augustus tour ahead of time is imperative.
Many small-group tours of the ancient city include a skip-the-line Colosseum tour and visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill ruins.
Parts of the ruins are open to the elements, so bring sunscreen and a hat in the summer, and dress warmly in winter.
The House of Augustus is located on the hillside along rough paths and uneven surfaces, so not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The House of Augustus is located inside the Palatine Hill archaeological complex near the Roman Forum and Colosseum. You can take one of the many city buses to the terminal in Piazza Venezia, or metro line B to the Colosseum stop.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Parts of the ruins are outdoors, so visit on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. During summer, the best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon. The House of Augustus is closed Tuesday and Thursday.
The House of Livia
Along with the House of Augustus, some of the best examples of ancient Roman frescoes are in the adjacent House of Livia, residence of Augustus’ wife.
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- House of Livia (Casa di Livia)
- Palatine Museum (Museo del Palatino)
- Domus Augustana
- Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)
- Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin (Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin)
- House of the Vestal Virgins (Casa delle Vestali)
- Piazza della Bocca della Verità
- Forum Boarium (Foro Boario)
- Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito)
- Temple of Caesar (Tempio di Cesare)
- Palatine Hill (Palatino)
- Basilica di Santa Francesca Romana
- Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
- Santi Cosma e Damiano Church (Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano)
- Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)