Auditorium of Maecenas, Archaeological site on Esquiline Hill, Rome, Italy.
The Auditorium of Maecenas is an ancient underground hall on Rome's Esquiline Hill featuring an apsidal chamber, stairs, and first-century wall paintings. The decorated walls display garden scenes with plants, flowers, and birds, while water channels run throughout the structure.
The structure was discovered in 1874 during construction work after Rome became capital of united Italy, revealing a section of ancient gardens. Built in the early 1st century, it was part of an extensive estate belonging to a wealthy Roman.
The underground hall served as a gathering place for Rome's wealthy residents who dined while water channels provided cooling relief during warm days. The painted walls showing gardens and animals remain visible today, offering a window into the luxurious lifestyle these spaces supported.
Entry is available only by advance reservation arranged through the 060608 booking service. Group tours are limited to 30 people per session and provide the best way to explore the site with professional guidance.
The walls retain original decorations from the 1st century showing peacocks against red backgrounds and painted garden landscapes set within architectural niches. These details provide a rare glimpse into how Roman private spaces were originally colored and adorned.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
