Roman Domus of Palazzo Valentini: the multimedia visit beneath Rome

Updated on October 5, 2026

Beneath Palazzo Valentini, a stone's throw from Trajan's Column and Piazza Venezia, the houses of wealthy Romans from the early centuries of the Empire lie several metres below street level. The visit, which lasts about an hour, crosses them on glass walkways: lights, sound and video reconstructions give the walls, mosaics and private baths back their original look. It is a paid visit (€15 full price) that you should book ahead; the site is closed on Tuesdays. Entry is by time slot, every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 7pm from March to October. The palace, which dates from the late 16th century, now houses the Città metropolitana and the Prefecture of Rome; the excavations lie under its courtyard.

Highlights

Palazzo Valentini

The ochre façade, on Piazza dei Santi Apostoli, gives no hint of what lies beneath. The entrance to the visit is on the Foro Traiano, by Trajan's Column. Arrive 15 minutes before your slot: checks are done on site.

The glass walkways

You go down into the excavations and walk, quite literally, above the remains. As the light dims, projections put the partitions, frescoes and furniture back where they stood; a narration guides you through each room.

The mosaics and private baths

The mosaic floors and bath rooms of the aristocratic houses show the comfort of a rich Roman home, with its courtyards and reception rooms.

Trajan's Column (optional)

The longer route, about 1 hour 30 minutes, adds a presentation of the column's reliefs, which tell the story of the emperor's campaigns against the Dacians. It is offered at only two times a day (10am and 5pm).

Opening hours and tickets

Full price €15; reduced €9 (ages 6 to 17, over-65s and other categories); free for under-6s and visitors with disabilities; €1.50 fee for booking in advance. A combined ticket with the show "Viaggio nel Foro di Cesare" costs €18 (plus booking fee). Visits in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish depending on the slot.

Practical info

Tips

Large bags and backpacks are not allowed, nor are animals. The route changes level several times: if you have difficulty walking, say so when booking. Prices and hours checked in October 2026 on the official site; from November to February the site closes at 6pm. After the visit, the Trajan's Markets and the Vittoriano are a few minutes' walk away; the Trevi Fountain is about fifteen minutes on foot. For background, see our guide to underground Rome.

How to get there

Foro Traiano 84, 00186 Rome. Metro Colosseo (line B), then 12 minutes on foot along Via dei Fori Imperiali, or a bus to Piazza Venezia, a few minutes' walk away.