Reopening of Nero's Domus Aurea
Pleasure Palace in Rome After Emergency Repairs for Safety
Concerns
ROME (12/19/2006) - It was announced today that Nero's
pleasure palace, the
Domus Aurea or Golden House, closed for over
a year, will reopen next month for public visitation. The
Domus Aurea, a popular site with tourists, was closed
down due to safety concerns in December, 2005 because of
water leaks causing fear that it might collapse.
The Italian government has pledged $5.27 million in funds to
repair the famous Domus Aurea and other archaeological
sites from erosion.
The Domus Aurea was "rediscovered" in 1506 by
Italian Renaissance artists who admired its frescoed
walls and
classical Greek sculpture which were collected for the
Domus Aurea by Nero during his brief reign 2000 years
ago. Nero's decorators made extensive use of gold leaf in
the Domus Aurea.
Only about half of the original 32 rooms in the Domus Aurea
previously open to the public will reopen.
Brenda Harness, Art Historian
For more information on
Italian Renaissance Art and book
recommendations, click here.
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