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For the ultimate Sicilian souvenir, consider booking one of the best cooking classes in Palermo – that way, you can bring a taste of Sicily home with you, time and again.

Home to the opulent Massimo Theater, the historic Norman Palace, and so much more, Palermo is many people’s first port of call in Sicily.

Most importantly for foodies, the food in Palermo is simply out of this world – so why not learn from a local with a Palermo cooking class?

Sicilians have an eye for picking out the best ingredients, treating them simply to make exquisite dishes. Why not learn from the best?

You can have pasta anywhere in the world, but very few places do it the way Sicily does, utilizing the island’s rich land and sea resources!

And it’s not just pasta! Sfincione and arancini are just two of the mouth-watering delicacies Palermo is known for.

Luckily, you can learn how to make some of these culinary masterpieces in your own home!

Just take one of these cooking classes in Palermo and let the masters show you how it’s done. No more overpriced, underwhelming Italian takeaway!

My Top 3 Picks: Sicilian Cooking Classes in Palermo

No time to read the full article about these cooking tours and just want my top 3 picks and the highlights of each?

I’ve got you.

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 Course Sicilian Cooking Class
✔️ Learn antipasti, pasta, meat, and dessert dishes
✔️ Guided visit of Old Town produce market with a local

↳ Book it

#2 PICK

Traditional Sicilian Cooking Class
✔️ Local, vegan-friendly dishes and pastas
✔️ Shop for ingredients at a local market

↳ Book it

#3 PICK

Pasta & Tiramisu Class
✔️ Learn pasta & tiramisu from a local Sicilian family
✔️ Enjoy complimentary snacks and Prosecco

↳ Book it

The Top 10 Sicily Cooking Classes in Palermo

1. Sicilian Cooking Class in Palermo

⌛ Tour Length: 4.5 hours | 🌟 Rating: 5/5 stars (45+ reviews) | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

This cooking class in Palermo covers a lot of ground in about five hours. There’s lots to take in, but every minute is worth it!

First, you’ll be shopping for ingredients at a local farmers’ market to get the ball rolling. 

That means you’ll be nice and hungry before you even start, as you eat with your eyes wandering through the market!

The food in Sicily is a bit different than in mainland Italy. Your host will give you a bunch of fun trivia on what makes Sicilian dishes special!

“The wonderful chef who shopped for ingredients at the Market and taught me how to cook them. I was a solo traveler and Patrizia made me feeL right at home. A beautiful covered balcony where we cooked and drank Sicilian wine. I am preparing my own Sicilian meal in my home from her cookbook, Seriously Sicilian. I love it and it is a beautiful book. I highly recommend this adventure.”

Read More Reviews Here!

The meals may change with the seasons, but they’re always delicious and fresh. Here’s an example class itinerary:

After making a caponata salad, next up is learning how to prepare busiate. 

You can think of it as a kind of long macaroni. It’s eggless too, so this is a great class for vegans!

Once you’re done cooking, you get to enjoy your meal and a tasty dessert, along with a glass of wine.

To make things even more special, this Sicily cooking class is held in a historic 18th-century building. Be sure to bring a camera to snap some photos inside!

2. Sicilian Cookery Lesson and Market Visit

⌛ Tour Length: 4.5 hours | 🌟 Rating: 5/5 stars (120+ reviews) | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

It’s hard for a single class to cover every regional delicacy. Still, this cooking class in Palermo comes pretty close!

After a quick trip to the old town market, you’ll have all the ingredients you need to make a delicious four-course Sicilian meal.

The starters includes panelle, arancine al burro and carciofi. There’s really nothing like these anywhere else in Europe, even on the Italian mainland!

“WOW what a great class! Michael is incredibly knowledgeable and shared many useful cooking tips throughout the class. The meal was a delicious and a joy to cook. We did a few other great activities while in Palermo and our family agrees this class was our favorite. It is a MUST do while in Palermo. Thank you Michael and Melissa!”

Read More Reviews Here!

Naturally, you’ll go over some amazing pasta recipes. There’s also involtini al carne, a stuffed meatball that’s one of Sicily’s most beloved dishes.

And you’d better save room for dessert, because there are three different kinds!

If you need a break from all the cooking and eating, you can also enjoy a cup of coffee and some homemade liquor!

3. Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class

⌛ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🌟 Rating: 5/5 stars (15+ reviews) | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

Visit the home of this exquisite Sicilian chef for one of the best cooking classes in Palermo!

You’ll be in the company of Alessandra, Nicola, and their wonderful children as you cook. What better way to get to know an Italian family than cooking with them in their home?

Since it’s in their private home, you’ll be given the exact location after booking. Still, you can rest assured there’s plenty of public transportation in the immediate area.

“The food we made was so tasty, our host made everything super easy and fun and helped us all get to know one another and to feel like we could make this delicious meal ourselves!”

Read More Reviews Here!

Before you start, you’ll get to know the family over snacks and some quality Italian prosecco.

The hosts will teach you how to make two different kinds of pasta, based on recipes that go back several generations.

You’ll even learn how to make tiramisu, arguably the most iconic of all Italian desserts!

To finish off the evening, you and the other students will take some time to enjoy each other’s cooking.

4. Cooking, Market Tour, and Limoncello Class

⌛ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🌟 Rating: 5/5 stars (10+ reviews) | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

Whether you’re a solo traveler or you’re with a group, this is one of the best cooking classes in Palermo.

The magic starts at the historic Capo market, where you’ll get all the groceries you need for a delicious Sicilian feast.

This is also the meeting point for the class, but for an extra fee, you can arrange to be picked up from someplace else.

The class goes over three traditional dishes. You’ll start with caponata, the king of Sicilian salads!

The main course is busiate with pesto trapanese. Vegetarians will really get a kick out of this class.

“Patrizia has a clear passion for meeting people and cooking. She graciously welcomed us into her beautiful home. The food, drink, and conversation was superb, enhancing our experience. Our trip to Palermo would not have been the same without it!!”

Read More Reviews Here!

The class ends with a cassata-making tutorial. It’s hard to resist a pie filled with delicious ricotta cream!

The first two courses are vegan, and the third is vegetarian, so if it’s great for all sorts of plant-based eaters, and even vegans if you don’t mind skipping dessert.

Once you’re done with all the learning, you get to enjoy some limoncello made with the chef’s lemons.

5. Authentic Street Food Cooking Class

⌛ Tour Length: 4.5 hours | 🌟Ratings: New! | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

Street food is a pretty big deal in Sicily. Here’s a cooking class in Palermo to learn how to make those tasty delicacies Sicilians love to eat on the go!

Maria Pia will start the class off by teaching you to make panelle, chickpea fritters that you can’t help but binge!

The centerpiece of the lesson is learning to cook Sicilian rice balls, aka arancini. You’ll be stuffing them with meat sauce for the true Palermo experience!

You’ll also learn to make jelly, although the exact flavor will depend on the season.

Visiting in the summer means you’ll be making watermelon jelly. In the winter, it’s either mandarin or orange.

You need at least one partner to book this class, so it’s a great pick if you’re with your significant other or your travel buddy.

Besides, the class finishes around lunchtime, so you’ll still have a full afternoon to yourselves! 

6. Five-Course Sicilian Cooking Class with Chef

⌛ Tour Length: 3.5 hours | 🌟Ratings: New! | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

Sicily has amazing pasta, fish and seafood, and the best cooking classes in Palermo cover every category!

You’ll have about 30 minutes to enjoy some coffee or limoncello as you get to know Chef Antonio.

Sicilian bolognese sauce is to die for, but you can also learn to make pasta with mussels here.

Next comes involtini, or “little bundles.” Using either swordfish or veal, you’ll learn to make some amazing rolls!

Finally, semifreddo al pistacchio for dessert is the perfect way to conclude the lesson.

This is a partially frozen whipped cream cake filled with (you guessed it), pistachios. 

After enjoying a nice dinner together, Antonio will send you off with a complimentary bottle of wine to remember him by!

7. 3-Course Pasta Making Class

⌛ Tour Length: 4.5 hours | 🌟Ratings: New! | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

Maria Pia makes another appearance on the list of the best cooking classes in Palermo!

The first step to any Italian cooking class is learning to make pasta. You’ll be making pasta alla Norma, a pasta with lots of eggplant, tomato, and cheese!

Next up, Mamma Pia shows you how to make the real-deal Italian meatballs with a tomato sauce. 

Of course, you can’t forget about the cannoli for dessert. Really hits the spot after an afternoon of cooking!

After enjoying your meal together, the Mamma Corleone chefs will send you off early in the evening.

The school is right in the center of Palermo, so feel free to enjoy an exciting night out in town!

8. Morning Market Visit and Cooking Class

⌛ Tour Length: 5 hours | 🌟Ratings: New! | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

This cooking class in Palermo is held at one of the swankiest schools in town!

The class is kid-friendly and easy on the wallet, so it’s a great deal for a traveling family!

After some early-morning grocery shopping at Vucciria Market, it’s time to get started on a four-course meal.

The chef will go over a number of dishes and will teach you how to make pasta from scratch.

And yes, vegetarian options will be included!

After all the hard work, enjoy an aperitivo and try out your cooking.

Lunch also includes a selection of wine, and some homemade limoncello at the very end. Now that’s hospitality!

The class might be long, but you’ll get a booklet to remind you of all the recipes you’ve learned!

9. Morning & Afternoon Choose-Your-Own 4 Course Meal Cooking Class

⌛ Tour Length: 4.5 hours  | 🌟Ratings: New! | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

What’s better than learning to cook a four-course meal? A Palermo cooking class that lets you pick what you want to learn!

Just the starters menu is enough to make your head spin. You can play it safe and learn to make caponata or shake things up with an octopus salad!

After learning how to make pasta, you get a crash course on how to prep a topping of your choice. 

You’ll have about a dozen picks, ranging from tomato sauce to cauliflower and cuttlefish black ink. Talk about options!

For the main course, the options are mostly meat or fish-based. There really is something for everyone here!

Finally there’s dessert. Take your pick between cheesy, creamy, or fruity, and get to learning!

If there are other people taking the class with you, you can exchange meals at the end and try a bit of everything!

10. Sicilian 4-Course Menu at Mamma Corleone

⌛ Tour Length: 4.5 hours | 🌟Ratings: New! | 👩‍🍳 Book Now

Any cooking class in Palermo with “mamma” in the name has got to be a winner. Especially if that mamma is Maria Pia!

The school is located near the Palermo Cathedral. You may want to head out early and do some exploring before the meet, since this is one of the top landmarks in Palermo!

Davide and Maria Pia have a deep respect for Italian culinary tradition. They love sharing their knowledge of Sicilian specialties with curious tourists like yourself!

You’ll go over a whopping four dishes in under five hours, all made with local ingredients.

In true Italian fashion, there are two main courses. The first is shrimp pasta with pistachio pesto — a Sicilian favorite — and the second is a traditional fish dish.

Of course, every good Italian meal ends with dessert. Cannoli, anyone?

Also, the groups here tend to be pretty small. That means plenty of one-on-one time with the amazing hosts!

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

eternalarrival.com

If you are traveling to Rome, you likely are wondering how to visit the Sistine Chapel, one of the most famous landmarks in a city full of them.

The frescoes of the Sistine Chapel are considered to be one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces and a significant example of Renaissance art. 

While the chapel is world-renowned, many travelers often do not realize that the Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums.

In fact, it is not possible to visit the Sistine Chapel on its own!

The only way to witness this magnificent work of art is by buying Vatican Museum tickets. There are no independent Sistine Chapel tickets.

Unlike other museums in Italy and the world, the Vatican Museums, and even more so the Sistine Chapel, have quite a few rules you must be aware of.

(We even have a full guide to visiting the Vatican Museums here, but this guide will focus more specifically on the Chapel itself)

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know before you visit the Sistine Chapel, including its history, interesting facts about the frescoes, and important rules you must follow!

Whether you have one day in Rome or several on your itinerary, you simply must visit the Sistine Chapel while visiting Rome!

History of the Sistine Chapel 

The Sistine Chapel is a part of the Apostolic Palace, the Pope’s official residence in Vatican City.

The chapel was originally known as Cappella Magna before Pope Sixtus IV ordered the restoration and decoration of the chapel in 1473.

The name was later changed to Sistine Chapel in honor of Pope Sixtus IV, a variation on his name.

In the first phase of the renovation, Pope Sixtus IV commissioned the painting of the chapel to a group of Renaissance painters, including Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Pinturicchio, among others.

The painters created two series of fresco panels covering the walls on both sides of the altar.

These frescoes depicted the life of Moses and the life of Jesus Christ, one on each wall.

It took a whopping nine years for the painters to decorate the two walls!

In 1482, Pope Sixtus IV celebrated the first mass in the chapel on August 15th, on the Feast of the Assumption.

It was nearly three decades later, in 1508, that Pope Julius II commissioned the decoration of the vault to Michelangelo.

Funny enough, Michelangelo initially rejected the commission — yes, the very one that made him so famous!

At the time, he was mainly a sculptor and had little experience with frescoes, a relatively new technique.

In addition to that, he was working on Pope Julius II’s marble tomb at the time and wanted to finish the work.

Another reason for Michelangelo’s wavering to accept the big commission was his suspicion that his rivals had recommended him because they wanted to see him fail.

(Well, if that was the case, his rivals must have been extremely disappointed upon seeing the magnificent result!)

Over the following four years, the artist painted what would soon become one of the most important works of Renaissance painting, admired by millions over the following centuries.

However, Michelangelo found that he did not enjoy decorating the Sistine Chapel ceiling!

In a letter to a friend, he complained about the work and mentioned feeling out of place, as he did not consider himself a painter.

Several years later, between 1536 and 1541, Michelangelo painted the fresco depicting the Final Judgement on the altar wall.

This work also posed several obstacles, including the need to remove a previous fresco of the Assumption of Mary by Pietro Perugino.

Finally, Michelangelo accepted the task after he was given creative space to use his fantasy in the fresco.

With the painting of the altar wall, the Sistine Chapel was finally completely decorated!

Since 1870, the Sistine Chapel is the seat of the conclave, the official meeting during which cardinals choose a new pope.

The newly elected pope is then led into a small room to the left of the altar, known as the “Tears Room” because new popes often shed tears of joy once they have been elected.  

The election of the new pope is signaled by the smoke coming out of a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel.

White smoke means a new pope has been elected, while black smoke means there has been no election yet due to the lack of a majority of two-thirds as required.

The Art of the Sistine Chapel

In the Sistine Chapel, you’ll get to admire four main artworks.

You’ll find the the ceiling and altar wall frescoes by Michelangelo, and the two side walls by a group of Renaissance artists, depicting two different Biblical themes.

Sistine Ceiling 

Before Michelangelo painted his masterpiece, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was decorated with a simple blue sky with golden stars.

Michelangelo’s first work in the Sistine Chapel focused on scenes from the Book of Genesis.

The frescoes begin with the Creation of the World and end with Noah and the Flood.

The first panel Michelangelo painted was the one of Noah, in which the figures appear smaller.

In the following panels, the figures became increasingly larger, as the artist realized they could not be properly enjoyed.

Two of the most significant panels of the Sistine Ceiling are the Creation of Adam and the Fall of Adam and Eve — two biblical stories of Genesis, with which many of us are familiar!

The creation of Adam is by far the most evocative image of the Sistine Chapel.

Many scholars have studied the image, including Dr. Frank Lynn Meshberger, who suggested that the shape of the drapery surrounding God and the angels resembles a human brain!

Some have interpreted Michelangelo’s painting as symbolizing God was bestowing the gift of intellect upon Adam.

The simplicity of the figure of God was another aspect of this fresco that provoked many discussions.

For the first time, God was depicted as an old man dressed in a simple tunic and within reach.

By stretching his hand towards Adam, he gives life to him, and through him, to all mankind.

The image is in keeping with the idea that God created Man in his image and likeness.

Altar Wall: The Last Judgment 

The fresco that covers the entire wall behind the altar is as significant as the Sistine Ceiling!

By the time Michelangelo returned to paint the wall, he was already more confident — so much so that this particular fresco contains several controversial elements.

The fresco represents God’s final judgment of humanity, or in other words, Doomsday.

Over 300 figures cover the wall, with Christ and the Virgin Mary by his side occupying the center of the fresco.

The figures surrounding Christ are the most important saints.

One of them, Saint Bartholomew, is particularly significant as he holds his flayed skin — which, interesting, is said by many to be Michelangelo’s self-portrait.

On the left side of the wall, the Saved are ascending to Heaven, many of them helped by angels.

On the right side, the damned are descending into Hell, supervised by Minos. In a boat rowed by Charon, many souls are being ferried to the Underworld.

Even before being completed, Biagio da Cesena, assistant to Pope Paul III, commented that the fresco was disgraceful in showing nude figures in a religious place.

A petty king, Michelangelo didn’t waste time getting his revenge — he painted Biagio da Cesena as Minos, depicted with donkey ears!

Even after Biagio da Cesena, the fresco was severely criticized for the extremely muscular and mostly naked bodies depicted.

Throughout the years, many artists were commissioned with the task of covering naked bodies, though they did so only partially.

Most alterations were removed during the restoration works of the 1990s and remain true to Michelangelo’s original vision.

Aside from the ceiling, Michelangelo also painted the pendentives (the curving semi-triangular parts formed where domes and arches meet) along the sides and at both ends of the ceiling.

In these pendentives, Michelangelo included frescoes of the seven prophets of Israel and five Sibyls, who were prophetic women in classic mythology.

In the corners of the chapel, the triangular pendentives are decorated with biblical stories: David and Goliath, Judith and Holofernes, The Brazen Serpent, and The Punishment of Haman.

Many other religious and mythological figures are depicted in other areas connecting the walls to the ceiling.

Side Walls: Life of Christ and Life of Moses 

The wall depicting the life of Christ was painted by a group of Renaissance-era artists.

Those artists included Perugino, Pinturicchio, Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Cosimo Rosselli.

In addition to these, other renowned painters that contributed to the frescoes on the life of Moses were Benedetto Ghirlandaio, Luca Signorelli, and Bartolomeo della Gatta.

The most important scenes represented are the Baptism of Christ, Moses’s Journey into Egypt and the Circumcision of His Son Eliezer, and Christ Handing the Keys to St Peter.

Above the main frescoes, the smaller spaces between the windows are covered in frescoes of various popes.

Best Time of Day to Visit for Fewer Crowds 

Being the highlight of the visit to the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel can get very crowded!

The chapel is also the final attraction of the Vatican Museums tour and the place where people tend to spend the most time.

If you wish to see the Sistine Chapel with fewer crowds on a regular tour, book your visit at the first available hour or near closing time.

While this does not guarantee seeing it completely crowd-free, you’ll likely find fewer people.

Even with skip the line tickets, you’ll still find the Sistine Chapel quite busy, as these Vatican tour times are open to the general public and have a higher capacity.

The best way to enjoy the Sistine Chapel with significantly fewer crowds is to book an early or night tour, which are more exclusive and have limited capacity.

This tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel also includes the famous galleries mentioned above as well as the well-known and stunning Raphael Rooms.

Dress Code for the Sistine Chapel

Given the location of the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican, which is a religious state (and incidentally, the smallest country on earth!), you need to observe a dress code.

Here are a few tips on how to dress when visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: 

• Make sure your shoulders are covered. In summer, you can bring a light scarf or cardigan to cover your shoulders if you wear a top. Alternatively, wear a short-sleeved t-shirt or blouse.

• Avoid wearing shorts, miniskirts, or short dresses. The key here is that they need to cover your knees.

• Cover possible tattoos of religious symbols or anything that may be deemed offensive to the Christian religion. 

• If you’re wearing a cap or hat, remember to remove it indoors. 

• Avoid see-through clothes, crop tops, and revealing clothing in general. 

Prohibited Items and Other Rules

Before visiting the Sistine Chapel, you should ensure you are not carrying any forbidden items.

The Vatican is pretty strict and specific as to which items are not allowed, so take note when planning your visit.

Note that you will go through airport-style security checks, so you’ll want to make sure you adhere to all their rules.

You must leave large bags, backpacks, or trolleys in the cloakroom without leaving any valuables inside them.

You may carry a small backpack or bag inside the museums.

However, pay attention if you plan on visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica at the end of the tour!

If that is the case, you should avoid leaving your bags in the Vatican Museums cloakroom, as you’ll exit from the Basilica and can’t re-enter the museum.

If needed, find luggage storage near Saint Peter’s.

The following are the items you are forbidden to carry inside the Vatican Museums: 

• Knives, scissors, and other sharp metal objects 
• Firearms and dangerous materials
• Medium and large umbrellas (in particular, ones that don’t fold up)
• Sticks, including selfie sticks. Walking sticks are permitted.
• Video cameras, lasers, amplified microphones
• Banners and any type of signs
• Alcoholic drinks and food
• Electronic cigarettes

No glass bottles are allowed inside the Vatican Museums either.

However, you may bring a plastic bottle, and you will even find fountains to refill it.

Finally, you must note that smoking is forbidden in the Vatican Museums.

You should also keep the phone on silent mode, to avoid disturbing the other visitors.

Rules in the Sistine Chapel

Aside from the rules above, which apply to all areas within the Vatican Museums, you must follow a few extra rules inside the Sistine Chapel: 

• You are not allowed to take any photograph or video, with or without flash
• You should maintain silence while inside the chapel
• You should avoid using your phone entirely

Although they may seem slightly ridiculous, these rules are strictly reinforced.

The museum guards will shush you if you speak, and they will tell you to put your phone away.

Take this as an opportunity to fully enjoy being in this magnificent place and simply admire the artwork.

Even if you can’t capture the chapel on your phone camera, you will remember the experience for a long time!

Photography Rules in the Vatican Museums

Photography is allowed throughout the Vatican Museums, except for the Sistine Chapel. However, you must respect a few simple rules:

• Photos are for personal use only
• You are not allowed to use the flash
• You are not allowed to use a tripod, selfie stick, drone, or other professional photography equipment

This should have you covered for your visit to one of the most awe-inspiring places you’ll ever visit!

Although a visit to the Vatican Museums is worth even just to see the Sistine Chapel, make sure you don’t rush through the other rooms to get to the end.

There is much to be discovered within the walls of the smallest state in the world!

Roxana Fanaru

Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.

A trip to Rome, Italy simply wouldn’t be complete without visiting a few of the archaeological sites spread all over the city!

From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to underground sites, you have many choices worthy of your time on your Rome itinerary, whether it’s a long visit or just one day in Rome.

The city has maintained vivid and fascinating traces of its long history, some better preserved than others.

One riveting place to visit in Rome is the archaeological site of the Domus Aurea, the former home of Emperor Nero.

What remains of the most grandiose building in Rome, Nero’s Domus Aurea is now buried under the Oppian Hill Park.

Once a magnificent palace, the Domus Aurea is now a relic standing witness of Ancient Rome’s splendor.

If you are curious to learn more about the history of Rome and this fascinating place, read on and add the Domus Aurea to your Rome itinerary!

A Quick History of the Domus Aurea

In 64 CE, a great fire destroyed most buildings in the center of Rome, and for centuries Nero was considered responsible for the fire, although this theory was never proven true.

However, what is clear is that the Roman emperor took advantage of the fire to further his personal and political plans.

The fire also destroyed Nero’s prior residence, the Domus Transitoria.

As a result, the emperor decided to take advantage of the now empty space across the Oppian, Palatine, and Esquiline Hills.

As a result, he built a palace unlike any other Rome had ever seen!

About the Domus Aurea (Nero’s Golden House)

The Domus Area (which is Latin for Golden House) truly was the most magnificent palace in Rome.

Spreading over 300 acres, the vast complex covered an area now corresponding to the Colosseum / Colosseo (rione Celio), part of rione Monti, and part of rione Campitelli.

It was not only the size and magnificence of the Domus Aurea that was so impressive. What is striking is that the massive complex only took four years to build.

This is especially wild when you learn that the original Domus Aurea is believed to have contained over 300 hundred rooms!

However, the Domus Aurea was never completed. Nero died by suicide in 68 CE after finding out that the Roman senate had declared him an enemy of the state and sentenced him to death.

Despite not being completed, the Domus Aurea was still nothing short of majestic.

According to the testimony of several figures of the time, including the historian Suetonius, the palace featured a mile-long triple columned portico, several bathrooms, quite a few pavilions, and many dining rooms.

It also reportedly had a vestibule with a colossal statue of Nero that was 120 feet tall and supposedly inspired by the Colossus of Rhodes!

One of the most evocative areas described was the coenatio rotunda, a dining room that would constantly rotate, like the world… think of it as the original rotating restaurant!

Not only would the room rotate on itself (caused by water movement underneath the floor), but the ceiling also had panels that would open to let rose petals and perfume drop on the guests.

In the valley now occupied by the Colosseum, a huge artificial lake was created.

All around the lake, there were imposingly tall buildings, beautiful gardens, and forests with all kinds of animals.

The Domus Aurea was designed by the architectural engineers Severus and Celer.

The decoration of the Domus is attributed to the master painter Fabullus, who oversaw the works and painted some of the rooms.

The word Aurea refers to the golden effect of the sunlight on the decorated walls.

Although it may be hard to imagine it nowadays when you visit the subterranean site, the Domus Aurea used to be flooded by light.

The architecture was designed in a way to allow sunlight to penetrate indirectly and hit the decorated walls which were covered in gold leaf and precious gems, making them sparkle. Aurea refers to the reflection of the sunlight on the golden decorations.

According to Suetonius, when Nero entered the nearly completed Domus Aurea for the first time, he exclaimed “I can finally live like a human being”. (Emperors, they’re just like us?!)

The Domus Aurea After Nero’s Death

After Nero died in 68 CE, three emperors succeeded him for brief periods between 68 and 69 CE. Each of them was either killed or died by suicide. That’s some pretty high turnover!

This was until Vespasian became emperor in 69 CE. He decided to drain Nero’s lake and, in its place, build an amphitheater for the Roman people. In 80 CE, the Colosseum was inaugurated.

In 104 CE, another fire destroyed part of the Domus Aurea. What remained of the complex was filled with rubble and used as a foundation by Emperor Trajan to build his bathing complex known as the Baths of Trajan.

The baths required strong foundations, so new walls were erected within the Domus Aurea in between existing walls, often crossing several rooms and creating strange shapes and angles.

Before burying the Domus Aurea under tons of rubble, Trajan thought well to empty the palace of all useful materials, like the marble that he used to decorate parts of the baths.

Little did he know that, by filling the rooms of the Domus Aurea with rubble, he was actually allowing its preservation through the centuries!

The Baths of Trajan remained in use for roughly four centuries.

Remains of a cemetery dating to the 5th century were found in the area, suggesting that, by that time, the baths were no longer functional.

The Discovery of the Domus Aurea

The ruins of the Domus Area was randomly discovered by painters who believed they stumbled across some decorated caves… little did they know what they really found!

While the first discovery of Domus Aurea happened in the 15th century, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the actual works of restoration of the Domus Aurea began.

Many areas were emptied of the rubble that filled them to uncover what was at first believed to be parts of the Trajan Baths.

Only in the 19th century did archaeologists realize that the ruins actually belonged to the Domus Aurea!

During the 20th century, archaeological investigations continued as more rooms were being emptied of the rubble.

Over the years, the underground space was used for other purposes too. At the end of World War II, the Domus Aurea became a refuge area for displaced people.

It was only recently that archaeological works have started to focus not just on discovering the remains of the sumptuous palace, but also on the recovery and preservation of the remaining frescoes.

Preserving the Heritage of the Domus Aurea

Preservation works at Domus Aurea are not easy due to the site being completely underground!

The pressure of the park above and the waterways make it harder to preserve the monument from further decay.

While the rubble that filled the rooms for centuries had allowed for the preservation of such unique art, the creation of the park above the site has been threatening the integrity of the Domus Aurea.

The Oppian Hill Park, which currently incorporates ruins of the Trajan Baths, was first built in 1871.

The park was later expanded during Mussolini’s reign, and many trees were planted, adding strain to the Domus Aurea site below it.

The recent reconstruction works of the park have been focusing on relieving the pressure the park puts on the archaeological site below it.

Many heavy trees were removed to avoid further damage created by the roots sinking into the structure of the Domus Aurea. The trees were replaced with shrubs and lighter vegetation.

Additionally, a lighter layer of terrain alongside a sophisticated drainage system was implemented to ensure the preservation of the valuable piece of history lying underground.

The Domus Aurea remained closed for many years, but it’s since reopened to the public.

As archaeologists are still working on exploring new areas and preserving those already uncovered, the space is only open on a few days of the week.

The Art of the Domus Aurea

The Birthplace of Grotesque Painting

Before archaeologists began excavating and studying the site, the remains of the Domus Aurea were randomly discovered by a local in the 15th century.

As he was strolling on the Esquiline Hill, he fell into a small opening and landed in what looked like a cave. The walls of this cave were covered in beautiful frescoes.

It was not long until local artists started descending into the cave to admire the frescoes and take inspiration from them.

Some of these painters who visited this site were quite famous, including Raphael, Pinturicchio, Ghirlandaio, and Giulio Romano.

Some even mention Michelangelo, the artist behind the Sistine Chapel, among the artists that visited the “cave”!

Of course, these Renaissance artists did not know that what they were admiring were the frescoes inside Nero’s palace.

These decorated grottoes inspired a new artistic style called Grotesque painting.

In English, from the 18th century, the word was used to indicate something strange, usually hideous.

In reality, the word had a different meaning in the 15th century context as well as in Italian, where the word grottesco means from a cave.

So the word for this artistic style does not translate easily from Italian to English. In this context, the word grotesque simply referred to the birthplace of the painting style.

As they descended into the caves to admire the painted walls and take inspiration for their works, these painters left inscriptions of their names on the walls that can still be seen today.

Soon, the grotesque style became representative of Renaissance art.

The style was reflected not only in the decorations of churches, important buildings, or noble family homes but also in decorative objects.

Woodwork, pottery, and furniture were all decorated in grotesque style.

Elements of the grotesque style included fantastic animal or human figures, garlands, ornamental arrangements, and flowers. These are usually painted with delicate lines.

The figures are small and often enclosed within frames, with elements like columns, curly leaves, and other decorative elements surrounding them.

Painting Styles in the Domus Area

The Domus Aurea presents examples of several different painting styles.

In fact, ancient Roman frescoes are divided into four styles, also known as Pompeian Styles because they were identified during the excavations of Pompeii.

Examples of the first style, known as the incrustation style, include decorations representing fake marble and other elements.

The second style was called the architectural style, and it included trompe-l’oeil wall paintings that aimed at giving a three-dimensional effect.

The third style, or ornate style, is predominant in the Domus Aurea and includes the use of bright colors and delicate decorations, which is part of what made ‘the Golden House’ so brilliant.

The use of the color red was very widespread, and so was the presence of semi-fantastical animals.

It is believed that the fourth style, or intricate style, was born in the Domus Aurea at the hand of Fabullus.

This painting style included elements of the previous styles with the addition of relief stucco decoration to create what is widely considered the first example of 3D painting.

Despite being faded and mostly destroyed by the constant humidity at around 90% inside the Domus Aurea, you can still see many examples of these frescoes.

Some of these are surprisingly well-preserved, given that they are nearly 2,000 years old and were abandoned for a large portion of that time!

What to Expect on a Domus Aurea Tour

The only way to visit Domus Aurea is with a guided tour.

Since the Domus Aurea is an underground site with constant restoration works going on, you cannot visit it on your own.

The importance and fragility of the site are additional reasons to only allow visitors access if they are accompanied by a tour guide.

Tour Options and Practical Information

You currently have two tour options to choose from. Most tourists will pick a guided tour like this one in English, which incorporates virtual reality and multimedia elements.

There is also one in Italian where you speak with archaeological officers, architects, and restoration workers.

The guided walking tour with VR and audio guide takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday while the one with archaeologists is only available on Thursday.

Book your guided tour of the Domus Aurea here!

Note that there is no entry option from Monday to Wednesday, and the site is always closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th, regardless of the day of the week.

The VR tours depart every 15 minutes, the first at 9:15 AM and the last at 5:15 PM. It lasts about one hour and 15 minutes.

The tour includes a video projection, a guided tour in your chosen language, and a virtual reality experience.

Domus Aurea Tour Itinerary

You will start the small group tour by entering one of the tunnels created for the foundations of the Trajan Baths.

This is where your guide will explain the layout of the Domus Area in front of the map so you have an idea of what to expect.

A few steps down the tunnel, a video will be projected on the wall to briefly explain the history of the Domus Area.

It tells the story from its construction as desired by Emperor Nero to its destruction and the discovery of its remains several centuries later.

After the video, your guide will take you through some of the most important areas currently accessible.

You will see the difference between the original structure of the Domus Area and the walls added for the Trajan Baths foundation.

You’ll also be able to admire impressive decorations on the walls dating back as far as nearly two millennia, and remains of sculptures retrieved during the excavations.

Highlights of Visiting Domus Aurea

Of the hypothetical 300 rooms of the original Domus Aurea, only a few are able to be visited now.

That being said, you will still have the chance to traverse many corridors and enter several rooms, each decorated in different styles.

Here are just a few highlights of my visit to Domus Aurea!

Colonnade Courtyard

The first area you will see right after watching the video is the Colonnade Courtyard.

The space used to feature ionic columns and a roof that covered the area.

With the construction of the Trajan Baths foundations, the roof was replaced by a vaulted ceiling, and more walls were added for support.

The courtyard was decorated all around with a fake portico (cryptoportico) painted on the walls without perspective.

Adjacent to the courtyard, there was a dining room and, next to it, a nymphaeum (a shrine dedicated to nymphs).

Although the columns were replaced by the Trajan walls, remains were found during the excavations and are now on display.

Corridor of Eagles

As you proceed tour visit, you will pass through the so-called Corridor of Eagles.

The name of this hallway is due to the decorated walls featuring several eagles within small rectangles.

Although the frescoes are faded, you can still see some of the eagles as well as two peacocks.

The reason for the faded frescoes and mostly naked walls is the water infiltration that happened to the site.

The water would seep through between the wall and the paintings, which led to the detachment of the outer layer containing the pigment from the frescoes.

In the corridor, you will see the detrimental effects of water infiltration.

This is the main reason why the Domus Aurea requires constant preservation works and why what you see is just a fraction of the splendor that used to exist!

Nymphaeum

The nymphaeum was an area that included a small body of water and a fake grotto decorated with natural elements.

The nymphaeum was next to the dining room and featured columns that would allow sunlight to enter the building, making it especially beautiful.

The nymphaeum walls were decorated with mother-of-pearl and seashells.

On the ceiling covered in fake stalactites, you can still see the remains of a mosaic depicting Odysseus and Polyphemus.

The two lateral walls featured windows that opened into lush gardens.

After Nero’s death, the emperors that lived shortly in the Domus Aurea closed the windows and used them as niches for statues.

When Trajan ordered the building of his Baths, the marble contained in the nymphaeum was repurposed to decorate some areas.

Gilded Vault or Room of the Gilded Ceiling

In my opinion, this is the best part of the Domus Aurea tour!

The Gilded Vault is the area that was first discovered in the 15th century.

It was in this room that artists would lower themselves through the holes in the ceiling, which you can still see, and admire the frescoes from the feeble light of their torches.

This is also the room where you will travel back in time and see how the Domus Aurea must have looked like in 68 CE!

Here, you will wear the VR headset and see how magnificent the place was when flooded by sunlight: the frescoes in all their vivid colors and the columns opening onto a beautiful garden that overlooked the lake and the city in the background.

Honestly, the VR part alone makes this tour worth your money!

The reconstruction is spectacular in every detail, from the frescoes on the walls to the flowers in the garden swaying in the gentle wind.

Octagonal Room

This is perhaps the most famous and impressive room in the Domus Aurea!

It is also among the best-preserved areas of Nero’s palace, because it was left intact by Trajan’s foundations.

The wide room opens onto five small chambers and has an opening in the dome that lets the light inside.

Although it is now empty of any decorative elements, the room is thought to have been the most lavishly decorated.

Small remains of frescoes are present in some of the chambers. Historians believe this space was probably used as a dining room and to host parties.

Glass remains found on the floor led historians to believe the dome was covered in mosaics, likely depicting the stars and planets.

Room of Achilles on Skyros

This room, to the west of the Octagonal Room, takes its name from the fresco on the ceiling, attributed to Fabullus.

At the center of the fresco, you can see a small depiction of Achilles among the daughters of Lycomedes on the island of Skyros.

The scene narrates the moment in which the hero, that had been disguised as a girl, reveals his identity to Odysseus.

Room of Hector and Andromache

This room is just opposite the Room of Achilles on Skyros, on the other side of the Octagonal Room.

It is probably not by chance that the two rooms narrate the feats of two opposing heroes!

This room used to contain illustrations of Homer’s Iliad, in particular focusing on Hector, the hero of Troy killed by Achilles.

Tips for Planning A Visit to Domus Area

Before visiting the Domus Aurea, you should keep in mind a few things.

Like many other landmarks in Rome, it is a well-visited place and tours do sell out!

Booking a skip-the-line ticket in advance is vital, and so is being aware of a few rules and recommendations!

Book your tour online in advance.

This is the most important tip for your visit to the Domus Aurea!

Each guided tour allows a limited number of visitors, so you must reserve the slot online in advance.

Remember that tours are only available from Thursday to Sunday, so make sure you’ll be in Rome during one of these days.

The earlier you book, the more slots you will find available! However, in low season, sometimes you can find a few slots, even one day before.

If you don’t want to risk it, check at least one week in advance, especially if you are traveling during the summer high season.

Book your guided tour and skip-the-line tickets to the Domus Aurea here!

Bring a sweater — no matter the time of year!

Even on the warmest summer days, the temperature in the Domus Area can be quite low because the site is underground and maintains a constant temperature.

You’ll descend several meters underground and spend over one hour walking around the site, so if you’re cold, you’ll be uncomfortable.

Remember to bring a sweater or jacket that you can wear if you start to get chilly.

Don’t forget to take pictures!

Yes, it is allowed to take pictures during the visit. So bring your camera and don’t forget to snap a few pictures!

However, remember to also pay attention to your guide.

This is a truly memorable experience and their historical background will help a lot in your understanding of this majestic site.

Wear comfortable shoes.

The areas you can walk around have flat pavement, but it is still useful to wear comfortable shoes like sneakers or walking shoes.

Remember that you will be walking around quite a bit, so avoid uncomfortable shoes like flip-flops or high heels.

Don’t bring big backpacks or suitcases.

Avoid bringing big backpacks or suitcases as there is no luggage storage on site.

If you don’t have a choice, check for a nearby storage facility to leave your bigger luggage.

When you enter the Domus Aurea, security will check your bags, similar to how you would at other sites like the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums.

How to Get to Domus Aurea

The location on Google Maps is not very accurate so take note of these directions!

The easiest way to reach the Domus Aurea is to head to the Colosseum by metro line B or bus.

The entrance to the site is inside the Oppian Hill Park (Parco del Colle Oppio).

From the Colosseum, walk north in direction of Via Labicana. On the left side, right before Via Labicana starts, you will notice a big gate leading to the park.

Pass the gate, and after just a few steps, you will find the entrance to the Domus Area on the left-hand side. Make sure you arrive at the selected time slot for your visit.

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

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