House of Nero, Olympia Travel Guide

The House of Nero, located in Archaia Olympia, stands as a testament to the Roman presence in Greece and the opulent lifestyle of the Roman elite. Constructed between AD 65 and 67 for Emperor Nero's visit to the Olympic Games, the villa provides an intimate glimpse into the past.This large structure was erected over the Classical sanctuary of Hestia, with a lead water-pipe inscribed 'NER. AVG.' confirming its identity. The residence was expanded and remodeled several times until the fourth century AD, featuring a spacious peristyle court surrounded by numerous rooms and gardens. The entrance, located on the west side, included an arched portico leading to an atrium. From there, corridors branched off to the central court, while the south wing housed the baths.Later modifications included the construction of the east baths during the reign of Septimius Severus in the early third century AD. This addition maintained the west facade, central court, and several rooms of the original House of Nero, while also adding frigidaria (cold rooms), caldaria (hot rooms), pools, and gardens. The well-preserved tepidarium, an octagonal room in the southeast corner, showcases a vaulted ceiling and a mosaic floor depicting marine life. Visitors can also explore the foundations of Nero's triumphal arch and the remains of a small odeion dating back to the third century AD. The site has been open to the public since 2002, following restoration efforts.