The Casa di Livia (House of Livia) has reopened in the Colosseum Archaeological Park.
With the new multimedia installation at Casa di Livia, visitors are in semi-darkness with the lights coming on as they move through. A narrative voice, accompanied by light mapping, guides visitors through the mythological stories depicted and highlights the intricate patterns of the frescoes.
What is the Casa di Livia?
Within the Augustan complex, this house is believed to have been the residence of Augustus’ wife. The structure features a quadrangular atrium leading to four rooms, each with mosaic floors and painted walls dating back to around 30 BC.
These rooms are among the most significant examples of the Second Style in Rome, showcasing its most mature phase. At the back of the atrium is the tablinum, flanked symmetrically by two rooms (alae), with the triclinium (dining room) located to the right.
The tablinum, also known as the ‘hall of Polyphemus’, has a depiction of the cyclops Polyphemus pursuing the nymph Galatea on the back wall. The right wall features a central image of Io facing Argos, the giant with a hundred eyes who keeps her captive, while Mercury approaches to free her.
In the right wing, the decoration includes a prominent portico with plant garlands adorned with ribbons and objects associated with the cult of Dionysus between the columns. Above, a rare monochrome landscape frieze on a yellow background depicts scenes of everyday life and ritual scenes in an Egyptian setting.
The left wing showcases fantastical figures such as griffins and winged victories, symmetrically arranged around candelabra and perched on the branches of the tree of life. The triclinium features an extraordinary pictorial decoration on a cinnabar background, commonly known as Pompeian red, with aediculae that open to reveal sacred and rural landscapes, creating effects of spatial depth.
Visiting Times and Tickets
The House of Livia is open every day except Tuesday, from 09.30 to 17.30, with the Forum Pass SUPER or Full Experience ticket or with the Membership Card.
For full details including visiting information see the Parco archeologico del Colosseo website.
