Step Inside the House of Augustus: Caesar’s Palace in Rome

Hidden among the ruins of the Palatine Hill are two of Ancient Rome’s most remarkable and least-visited treasures: the House of Augustus (Casa di Augusto) and the House of Livia (Casa di Livia). These exceptionally preserved residences offer a rare glimpse into the private lives of Rome’s first imperial family, with original frescoes, elegant rooms, and intimate spaces that contrast sharply with nearby monuments like the Colosseum.

Unlike many archaeological sites, access to these historic homes is limited and carefully managed, making a visit one of the most exclusive experiences in the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

While we’ve had the privilege of guiding guests through more than 70 different Italian experiences, our exclusive VIP Caesar’s Palace Tour has something extra special. It is one of the few guided experiences offering access to these extraordinary residences and legendary private homes of Emperor Augustus and his wife, Livia – the House of Augustus (Casa di Augusto) and the House of Livia (Casa di Livia).

These are not just any ruins; they’re the very places where history was made. If you’re curious about the power dynamics, politics, and intrigue of the time, or if you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the shoes of a Roman Emperor, this is the tour for you.

The Roman Forum as seen from the VIP Caesar’s Palace tour with Walks

Emperor Augustus was a pretty big deal.

As you may or may not know, Emperor Augustus, born Octavian, was the grand-nephew of Julius Caesar. After his great-uncle’s death he was named heir and went head-to-head with Mark Anthony and his lover Cleopatra to become the next ruler of Rome.

Following his victory (and their suspected double suicide), he established the Roman Empire and became the first Emperor of Ancient Rome, creating a constitutional framework, better road networks and an unprecedented period of peace across Rome (what a guy!)

Depending on who you ask, you’ll hear different things about Augustus:

• He was the father of the country
• The head of Rome’s religion
• The leader of its army
• The winner of victories
• The first among equals
• …or a just shrewd politician!

Whatever you hear though, one thing is certain; “Augustus carefully cultivated an image of modest leadership while holding unprecedented political power.”

So popular in fact, that it is recorded by Suetonius and is generally accepted from ancient sources that, after a fire damaged his home, Romans voluntarily contributed money towards rebuilding it. Augustus reportedly accepted only a single coin from each donation.

So, as you can see, Augustus was a pretty big deal – and you can only imagine how excited we were when we were first invited to visit his house.

Casa di Augusto – The House of Augustus

House of Augustus/Casa di Augusto:

The Modest Home of a Great Man

Rather than building his own palace, as many would do upon becoming the ruler of the world’s greatest empire, Emperor Augustus purchased an existing house on the Palatine Hill.

• The house wasn’t particularly grand
  • It only had two floors, short arches (meaning a low roof) and was remarkably restrained in its use of luxury materials such as marble.
• Nor did he use all of this modest space.
  • Ancient sources claim Augustus preferred the same modest bedroom throughout much of his life, reinforcing his carefully cultivated image of simplicity.

The symbolism of this was incredibly powerful. Augustus’s modesty and his choice of location (right beside the Hut of Romulus, where Romans came to honour the founder of the city), elevated him in the eyes of his people almost to the point of sainthood, the natural predecessor of Romulus himself.

The ‘Room of the Masks’ in The House of Augustus: The whole room is incredibly well preserved

Much to the joy of visitors today though, he did do a little decorating!

The best painters in Rome were hired to paint the walls of the House of Augustus. They painted theatre scenes and masks; porticos and columns. They painted in reds and yellows and blues; in a style that visitors may find reminiscent of those at Pompeii. Only these are better!

In fact, they’re some of the best examples of Roman wall paintings that you’ll find anywhere, and they’re still in their original location – in the very spot where Emperor Augustus once looked on them. Standing in the same spot where visitors now pause to admire them 2,000 years later.

The House of Augustus is amazing because those who visit these days can do a full walk-through. You can see the actual house in its original location, witness the modest size of the rooms and their doorways, and actually get a feel for how life flowed through rooms, and reception halls in Ancient Rome.

Frescos at the house of Livia date back to the 1st century BC.

But we have to admit; it’s the Casa di Livia, the House of Livia, that really took our breathe away.

The House of Livia/Casa di Livia:

A Grand Apartment for a Grand Lady

When it came to Livia, Augustus was a little less modest. The arches got taller, the ceilings higher and the floors noticeably more marble-covered.

She wasn’t his first wife (or second) but she was the only one he loved deeply and uncompromisingly. After stealing her and her son Tiberius away from her husband, he built her the rooms we visit today; with original marble floor tiles, huge arches, painted walls and domed ceilings.

Archaeologists have done an incredible job here, helped by the perfect conditions for preservation. As the House of Livia fell to ruin, the paintings fell clean off the walls and were buried safely at a consistently cool temperature. They were discovered like this and in many cases could be picked up and put back on the wall, piece by piece.

The effect is stunning. Entering through a small doorway, visitors descend a few steps and walk into a huge, self-contained area with vast roofs and colourful frescos. It doesn’t feel so much like a restored ruin as it does a real-life palace, as cold and still as if it had air-conditioning!

Visit the Casa di Livia with Walks of Italy’s VIP Caesar’s Palace Tour

VIP Caesar’s Palace Tour: An Exclusive Visit

The amazing House of Augustus and House of Livia have been open to the public on and off since 2008. The process used to be that visitors could line up outside (usually for a very long time) and guards would let them in 5 people at a time. That changed in recent years and a security gate was erected to keep the general public out.

Today, access is limited and generally available only through timed guided visits organised by the archaeological park or authorised operators, such as Walks of Italy. The good news is that guests on our VIP Caesar’s Palace tour can spend more time inside now, in exclusive small groups.

Intricate frescos painted on the walls of Caesar’s Palace in Rome.

This tour gives a rare invitation into the Roman Empire’s most private spaces.  You’ll begin in the Roman Forum, Ancient Rome’s downtown, and then you’ll head beyond the ropes, into exclusive areas where the emperors were once the VIP´s.

On our VIP Caesar’s Palace tour, you´ll get to see Caesar’s Palace and spend an hour inside the the houses of Augustus and Livia to admire the 2,000-year-old frescoes. During this time no-one else is allowed into this gated area of the Palatine Hill at all! Just our small group of 15 people or fewer, free to linger with no need at all for headsets to hear your guide.

After your trip through palaces and exclusive areas you’ll enter the Colosseum with priority access and the stories and knowledge of your expert guide.

Enjoy learning about the history of the ancient ruins of Rome

FAQs – House of Augustus

How do I get tickets for the House of Augustus and House of Livia?

Access to the House of Augustus and House of Livia is limited and requires a timed entry. These houses are located within the Palatine Hill archaeological area and are typically only accessible through guided visits organised by the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo or authorised tour operators.

Because availability is limited and places often sell out, booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly during spring, summer, and major holidays.

How much does it cost to visit the House of Augustus?

The House of Augustus is not available with every standard Colosseum ticket. Access is generally included only with specific guided visits or special tickets offered by the archaeological park.

Prices vary depending on the type of visit, while guided tours that combine the House of Augustus with the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum typically cost more but include expert commentary and reserved access.

What are the opening hours and how do I get there?

The House of Augustus and House of Livia follow the opening hours of the Palatine Hill archaeological park, although entry is restricted to scheduled guided visits. Because access is timed and visitor numbers are limited, it’s advisable to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry.

Getting there is straightforward:

• Metro: Line B to Colosseo station, followed by a 10–15 minute walk to the Palatine Hill entrance.
• Bus: Several routes stop near Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum.
• On foot: Easily combined with visits to the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

The Roman Forum is an extensive site with many stories to tell

Inspired to explore more of Ancient Rome?

From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Vatican Museums and the city’s hidden corners like the House of Augustus, expert local guides can help bring thousands of years of history to life. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to discover something new, browse our collection of Rome experiences and find the perfect tour to match your interests, pace, and travel style.

Explore our full range of tours of Rome!