House of Augustus is an ancient subterranean residence in Rome on Palatine Hill featuring some of the earliest known Roman frescoes and imperial architecture. Few visitors realize that the site includes a rare lararium — a small shrine dedicated to household gods — embedded in the walls, reflecting the private religious practices of Rome’s first emperor. Another lesser-known fact is that the house’s underground chambers were preserved by volcanic ash from the nearby Mount Vesuvius eruption, which shielded the frescoes from later decay. This article details how to visit the site and what to look for inside this remarkable imperial home.
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Subterranean imperial residence on Palatine Hill a 5-min walk from the Colosseum
Palatino Parco archeologico del Colosseo, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
What makes House of Augustus worth visiting?
First, the frescoes date to the late 1st century BCE and include fine depictions of mythological scenes, some attributed to the Augustan artistic circle. Second, the house’s layout reveals early Roman domestic architecture, including a distinctive underground corridor connecting to the Palatine complex. Third, visitors can see the original marble threshold bearing the emperor’s name, a rare surviving inscription from Augustus’ reign.
How do you get to House of Augustus?
The closest metro station is Colosseo on Line B, a 7-minute walk to the Palatine Hill entrance. Alternatively, bus lines 75 and 81 stop near the Colosseum, a 5-minute walk from the site. A recommended itinerary is to visit the House of Augustus first, then walk 200m to Palatine Hill, continue 400m to the Roman Forum, and finish at the Colosseum 600m away, all within a compact historic area.
Practical visitor information
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 7:00pm; closed Mondays |
|---|---|
| Tickets | €16 full ticket including Palatine Hill and Roman Forum; €2 reduced for EU citizens 18-25; free under 18 and EU residents over 65 |
| Dress code | No dress code |
| Photography | Photography allowed without flash; tripods prohibited |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings between 9:30am and 11:00am to avoid crowds |
| How long to allow | 30-45 minutes |
“For the best view of the frescoes, avoid peak hours and enter through the southern Palatine entrance where lighting conditions are optimal.”
Frequently asked questions about House of Augustus
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More to see near House of Augustus
Within a short walk from the House of Augustus, you can visit Palatine Hill (200m), the ancient seat of Rome’s elite; Circus Maximus (400m), the vast chariot racing stadium; the Roman Forum (400m), the political heart of ancient Rome; and the Colosseum (600m), the well-known amphitheater. A half-morning walk could start at the House of Augustus, continue through Palatine Hill, and finish at the Roman Forum, providing a layered understanding of imperial and republican Rome.
