ROME: The Italian government will open Emperor Nero’s Golden House to the public for the first time since 2005, but only on weekends to allow restoration works to continue, Rome’s archaeological superintendent said on Friday.

“We have spent 12 million euros ($15.2m) over the past four years to restore the site and have decided to reopen the Domus Aurea, but as a work in progress,” Mariarosaria Barbera told journalists in the Italian capital. From Sunday, visitors can book guided tours for up to 25 people at a time to be shown around the lavish complex by archaeologists and art historians.

The palace, which lies on a hill overlooking the Colosseum, was built by Nero after the great fire of Rome in 64 AD razed aristocratic dwellings in the area. It featured groves of fruit trees, vineyards and an artificial lake.

Designed as a party villa rather than a home — with 300 rooms but no sleeping quarters — its walls were covered with extensive gold leaf, semi-precious stones and ivory, as well as colourful frescoes.

Italy’s culture ministry appealed in June for sponsors to help find 31 billion euros ($39bn) to help restore the 16,000 square metre complex, which lies underground today, to its former glory.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2014