Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini
Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini
4.5
Admission tickets
from
$25.59
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Trevi
A non-stop photo and souvenir opportunity, Trevi is all about action. From early morning through the wee hours, the piazza surrounding Trevi Fountain hosts a never-ending flow of tourists hoping to make a wish or take a selfie. Clever restaurants, charming gelaterias, uncanny bars, kitsch shops, and a range of hotels make up the local landscape. Beneath the bustle are the remains of an ancient neighborhood that you can visit by heading over to a repertoire cinema and asking for a peek underground. There is something for everyone, but if peace and quiet are what you seek, plan to visit in the early morning hours.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
8,089 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,524 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,757 reviews
Excellent
3,010
Very good
565
Average
119
Poor
34
Terrible
31
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
gosaka
San Jose, CA573 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The idea of being able to see what a Roman home looked like is compelling. The addition of some technology to provide narration, focus on what you’re seeing and a video presentation should make it great. The glass walkways should make it easy to see. All this is true for the most part. If you haven’t seen mosaics elsewhere (like Herculaneum, Pompeii, or the Naples Archaelogical Museum) this is a great introduction and overview. For school age children the production keeps things interesting and should hold their attention.
Now the downsides. Apparently when this opened they would admit 8 people per showing which made for an intimate experienc - now they admit 20. In our session, it was clearly overcrowded so that at best half of the group could see what was going on at each stop. We kept trying to make room for a couple of kids who really couldn’t see anything. The glass flooring is neat when the lighting allows for safe passage. When you first enter, they literally shut off all the lights. It makes it hard to determine if/where there are steps. At best, this makes it a bit uncomfortable and at worst it’s a potential hazard - particularly if you’re of a “certain age” and wearing progressive lenses.
For me, the highlight was a video showing how the adjacent Trajan’s column was constructed, carved and the story that the carvings told. At the end there was the chance to get a bit of a closer view of the bottom of the column through a grate protected window. It gave a sense of the size/proportions of the column difficult to get from viewing outside. For further info on the column check out National Geographics on line piece about the column - even more enlightening if your intrigued like me.
Now the downsides. Apparently when this opened they would admit 8 people per showing which made for an intimate experienc - now they admit 20. In our session, it was clearly overcrowded so that at best half of the group could see what was going on at each stop. We kept trying to make room for a couple of kids who really couldn’t see anything. The glass flooring is neat when the lighting allows for safe passage. When you first enter, they literally shut off all the lights. It makes it hard to determine if/where there are steps. At best, this makes it a bit uncomfortable and at worst it’s a potential hazard - particularly if you’re of a “certain age” and wearing progressive lenses.
For me, the highlight was a video showing how the adjacent Trajan’s column was constructed, carved and the story that the carvings told. At the end there was the chance to get a bit of a closer view of the bottom of the column through a grate protected window. It gave a sense of the size/proportions of the column difficult to get from viewing outside. For further info on the column check out National Geographics on line piece about the column - even more enlightening if your intrigued like me.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FionaElsewhere
9 contributions
Aug 2022
This was a very strange visit. The site itself is interesting and the information on the archaeological finds is well-presented.
However, it is not a tour but the group was led through an automated set of films at different locations. The space was claustrophobic and it was hard to move around safely in the often dark areas. As there was no guide, there was no opportunity to ask questions. There seemed to be a museum as part of the site but we were marched through this section without any opportunity to look at artefacts.
Also odd was a rather unprofessional film about Trajan's column which is nearby but on a different site. The film took up a large part of the tour and was a boring explanation of each part of the column. It was amateurish and boring.
This was a disappointing way to visit what is itself an intriguing historical site. Perhaps the Italian tour is better than the English one?
However, it is not a tour but the group was led through an automated set of films at different locations. The space was claustrophobic and it was hard to move around safely in the often dark areas. As there was no guide, there was no opportunity to ask questions. There seemed to be a museum as part of the site but we were marched through this section without any opportunity to look at artefacts.
Also odd was a rather unprofessional film about Trajan's column which is nearby but on a different site. The film took up a large part of the tour and was a boring explanation of each part of the column. It was amateurish and boring.
This was a disappointing way to visit what is itself an intriguing historical site. Perhaps the Italian tour is better than the English one?
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diane p
New York City, NY87 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Palazzo Valentini successfully blends Ancient Rome exactions within an over Leigh of 17th century Rome. You walk on glass floors which reveal the exactions below. At the end there is a great video of Trajan’s Column.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MILOUW
New York City, NY1,416 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
In the center of Rome, below a Renaissance Palace called Palazzo Valentini now a municipal building, archaeologists discovered not long ago remnants of several Roman era villas.
In a technical tour de force they were able to create a path underneath the Palace to access the archaeological digs.
To make it more appealing they created a virtual show accompanying visitors throughout the circuit.
While visually impressive such an approach has significant drawbacks.
It forces you to wear headphones and to be in a group shepherded by a guide.
It also offers little time to see what the site looks like in reality.
I would also point out that the entrance to the place is hard to find although it is right next to the Trojan Column
In a technical tour de force they were able to create a path underneath the Palace to access the archaeological digs.
To make it more appealing they created a virtual show accompanying visitors throughout the circuit.
While visually impressive such an approach has significant drawbacks.
It forces you to wear headphones and to be in a group shepherded by a guide.
It also offers little time to see what the site looks like in reality.
I would also point out that the entrance to the place is hard to find although it is right next to the Trojan Column
Written April 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
Sandbach, UK39 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We booked this tour before we left the UK as we’d really wanted to see Nero’s Domus Aurea but thats only open on weekends and we weren’t staying that long. This seemed like a good second choice and I think it was. The ‘experience’ is underneath a palazzo where a Roman house has been excavated. You walk about over the remains on glass floors which light up as the audio plays. We found the girl showing us where to stand etc rather disinterested - which I suppose she might be having done the same thing many times before - but I think she could have been a bit more engaged with the visitors. She also didn’t really make sure everyone was in place before the lighting up of areas took place so I think some people might have missed a few things. The audio was much better and less ‘academic’ than a lot of the other tourist places we visited. The final part of the tour is an retelling of Trajans column which I thought was fascinating and very well done. Finally you are lead down a corridor to look out at the column itself… this should be the piece de resistance but it’s really quite laughable as you are squished into a little ‘caged’ area to peer at the column between the bars! There is a much better view outside where you don’t have to pay! They really missed a trick in this finale to the whole experience! Having said that we still thought the excavations were amazing. You’re not allowed to take photos in the Palazzo.
Written April 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicola E
Bristol, UK36 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Absolutely fascinating reconstruction of a roman house using modern technology. Glass floors cover archaeological sites and the most stunning original mosaic floor (part of).
The final room tells the story of Trajan's column and really brings it to life. We had seen the column and admired it in the days before, but after hearing the story and seeing the carvings up close, it took on a whole new importance. Jaw-dropping stuff, well-executed and only wish I'd visited on day one of our week in Rome!
The final room tells the story of Trajan's column and really brings it to life. We had seen the column and admired it in the days before, but after hearing the story and seeing the carvings up close, it took on a whole new importance. Jaw-dropping stuff, well-executed and only wish I'd visited on day one of our week in Rome!
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
8snowflake8
Asia358 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The tour is great for those interested in history and archaeology. The audio guide and the accompanying sound and lights helped make the building's story come alive. The environment could be a bit claustrophobic for some as the tour is conducted in near darkness. A couple with their baby and toddler had to leave the tour halfway as the kids got restless.
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mathéa M
Bordeaux, France5 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
The visit lasts approximately 1 hour. We have a headset with an audio guide that speaks in the chosen language. We were a group of around fifteen people. We progressed at the same pace according to the instructions of a “guide” who accompanies us throughout the visit. We were an adult and three 14 year olds. All three of us enjoyed this visit. The explanations are not too long and interesting. We walk on a glass plate and the ruins of the domus are under our feet since the Palazzo Valentini was built in the 16th century on the ruins of this ancient Roman house from the 2nd century. There is sometimes a color projection to show what it looked like during the domus era.
Written April 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silvino G
Milan, Italy689 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
For those who love the history of Rome and the life of the Romans this is an extraordinary testimony. A real leap into that past, bringing to light all the rooms of a house (domus) of an important Roman wealthy man. Piero Angela's voice adds value to the credibility of the stories about the intuitions of the archaeologists who discovered the site and arrived at their conclusions of how and what it could have been. For anyone going to Rome an absolutely unmissable stop.
Written May 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia P
7 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Imperdible!
You walk on a glass floor over an archaeological site.
Through multimedia technology with projections and audio Guide in your language, you live an immersive experience in ancient Rome.
The tour is done in group and in the dark.
Charming, very worth it.
It is not advisable to take children and people with claustrophobia.
You walk on a glass floor over an archaeological site.
Through multimedia technology with projections and audio Guide in your language, you live an immersive experience in ancient Rome.
The tour is done in group and in the dark.
Charming, very worth it.
It is not advisable to take children and people with claustrophobia.
Automatically translated
Written October 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I need to change my time of my reservations due to a previous tour being rescheduled. Is there an email contact I can get this done. I tried the two listed on the website and they both are blocked, emails will not submit
Written October 16, 2024
When will tickets for June be available online or by phone?
Thank you.
Written May 17, 2023
Hi, I noticed the Valentini Palazzo tour went from 1.5 hour to 50 minutes. Any idea when they will include the other Archeological room? I understand it was left off the tour due to Covid and the ventilation.
Written May 7, 2022
We will be in Rome Oct. 4, 5 and 6. Are there any English speaking tours then?
Written July 11, 2019
Yes there is always English speaking tours available all year...
Written July 13, 2019
What is wheelchair access like? The website says wheelchair users can book and accessible entrance, but inside there are different levels. What happens once you get inside?
Written July 10, 2019
Most of the tour takes place in very low light conditions, so the tour goes to great lengths to avoid steps. I doubt all of this was put in place in consideration of wheelchair users but having a group of people shuffling around in near darkness - with steps - could have been a recipe for disaster.
I did not pay that much attention (apologies) to wheelchair access but I did notice (particularly as the tour ended), elevators situated to allow wheelchair access to the lower levels, for the end of tour movie.
I'm sure the venue will be of more assistance.
It's a very enjoyable experience.
Written July 11, 2019
How do I buy tickets for this site? I need 2 in september. thank you
Written July 5, 2019
I bought mine online through their site. You just need to make sure to select the right language tour on the day you want.
Written July 6, 2019
I have just booked a english tour for 9.30am I notice it opens at 9.30am should I still arrive about 15 minutes early to collect tickets or will there be no one there ?
Written May 9, 2019
There will be people there closer to the opening hours, if I remember correctly, it opens around 10 min before 9.30am. Enjoy your visit!
Written May 10, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 58
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing