After the fire of 64 CE, which destroyed the greater part of the centre of Rome, Emperor Nero decided to build a new residence; it had walls sheathed by fine varieties of marble and vaults decorated with gold and precious stones, it was called Domus Aurea (Golden House). After the fall of the Empire, the palace remained in silence along the history. During the Renaissance the underground ruins began to be a reference for artists and painters. Now, it is a reference of the Italian heritage and a challenge for archaeologists, architects and politicians, who are giving a new life to the Domus Aurea.
