Domus Tiberiana (House of Tiberius), Rome

Domus Tiberiana (House of Tiberius), Rome

The Domus Tiberiana, an Imperial Roman palace, once stood on the northwest corner of the Palatine Hill in ancient Rome. Its name is derived from Emperor Tiberius, who resided on the Palatine, although historical sources do not explicitly mention his construction of a palace. The Domus Tiberiana was expanded by Tiberius's successors and served as the primary residence for Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero during the early years of their reigns.

Due to the Farnese Gardens occupying the site since the 16th century, archaeological knowledge about the structure is limited, and excavation has been challenging. The remains of the Domus Tiberiana are located on the northwest corner of the Palatine Hill, facing the Velabrum and the Roman Forum below, with the Capitoline Hill visible beyond. The site covers an area of approximately 150 meters by 120 meters (492 x 394 feet) and is occupied by the Farnese Gardens platform, established in 1550 by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese. The visible remnants consist of the impressive arcaded support structures on the northern slope of the hill, constructed during the reigns of Domitian, Trajan, and Hadrian.

At the Forum level, behind the Temple of Castor and Pollux, lie the ruins of a vestibule complex initiated by Domitian and completed by Hadrian. From this point, an access ramp led up the hill to the Domus Tiberiana on the summit.

The central feature of the Tiberiana was a large peristyle with arcades encircling it on all four sides. To the south of this peristyle, a double block of rooms separated by a spacious corridor was constructed, while another block of rooms stood to the north. Along the eastern side of the Tiberiana, there is a 130-meter (427-foot) long cryptoporticus from the time of Nero, displaying mosaic floors and poorly preserved frescoes. This cryptoporticus was connected to the Flavian Palace during its construction. In the southeast corner of the palace, near the Domus Livia, the remains of an elliptical basin, possibly used as a fish pond, can be found. On the southwest front, there is a portico that leads to a series of rooms believed to have housed the Praetorian Guard, as suggested by the graffiti discovered within them.

While our knowledge of the Domus Tiberiana is limited, the remaining structures provide insights into the grandeur and architectural splendor of the imperial palaces that once graced the Palatine Hill in ancient Rome.

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Domus Tiberiana (House of Tiberius) on Map

Sight Name: Domus Tiberiana (House of Tiberius)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

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Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Holy Sites Walking Tour

Holy Sites Walking Tour

As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.

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Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.

In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Food Tasting Walking Tour

Food Tasting Walking Tour

Whether it’s a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy’s most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caffès are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour

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Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles

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