In an exciting development, an ancient Roman imperial palace perched atop Palatine Hill in the heart of the city has opened its doors to tourists after nearly five decades of extensive restoration work. The remarkable Domus Tiberiana, boasting a history spanning nearly 2,000 years, served as the residence of rulers during the Imperial period of ancient Rome and offers breathtaking views of the Roman Forum below.
After years of meticulous structural restoration, the public can now explore this historical gem. The restoration efforts, including archaeological excavations, have uncovered a trove of artefacts spanning centuries of Roman life, shedding light on the post-Empire era.
Officially part of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, which encompasses Palatine Hill, the restored palazzo has been dubbed the "power palace par excellence" by the park's director.
Named after Tiberius, who ruled after Augustus, recent archaeological studies suggest that the palace's foundations date back to Nero's era, shortly after the devastating fire of 64 AD that ravaged the city. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the palace fell into disuse for centuries until the 1500s when the Farnese noble family created an extensive garden around its ruins.
Now, with the palazzo accessible to the public, visitors can trace the path once walked by ancient emperors and their courts as they made their way to the Domus.
Situated on the northwest slope of the hill, the Domus is recognised as the first true imperial palace. Beyond serving as the emperor's residence, it encompassed gardens, places of worship, accommodations for the Praetorian Guard responsible for the ruler's protection, and a service area for workers with views overlooking the Roman Forum.
The excavation and restoration efforts persisted even during the COVID-19 pandemic when tourism was at a minimum. Archaeologists have pieced together centuries of history, bringing a place that had faded into obscurity back into the limelight. For visitors exploring the reopened Domus, a curated selection of hundreds of discovered artefacts is on display, featuring items made of metal and glass, statues, ornamental pieces, and ancient coins.
