Two houses, one treasure of ancient painting

A visit to the Houses of Augustus and Livia is a journey into Roman painting at its very best. These are private, intimate rooms, yet they're decorated with frescoes whose freshness of color is astonishing for their age. Here's what not to miss.

The House of Augustus

The House of Augustus preserves stunning wall paintings in the so-called Second Pompeian Style, with faux architecture, perspectives, and illusionistic detail. Among its most celebrated rooms:

  • The "Studiolo" of Augustus (a small study), a tiny room with exquisitely refined decoration.
  • The Sala delle Maschere (Hall of Masks), with lively theatrical scenes and painted masks.
  • The deep reds and architectural details that reveal the emperor's refined taste.

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The House of Livia

The House of Livia, wife of Augustus, is famous for its extraordinary frescoes, among the best preserved in the ancient world. The standouts are the decorations with faux architecture, festoons, landscapes, and mythological scenes, and above all the walls that simulate gardens and open spaces. We explore this masterpiece in depth in our dedicated article on the frescoes of the House of Livia.

The setting of the Palatino

Beyond the houses, the Palatino (Palatine Hill) has plenty more to see: the remains of the imperial palaces, the Stadium, the Museo Palatino (Palatine Museum), and one of the finest views over the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus. The Houses of Augustus and Livia are the most intimate jewel of a hill steeped in history.

How to plan your visit

  1. Book your access to the Houses of Augustus and Livia (assigned time slot)
  2. Admire the frescoes of the House of Augustus (Studiolo, Sala delle Maschere)
  3. Visit the House of Livia and its painted garden
  4. Explore the rest of the Palatino and its views over the Forum
  5. Head down toward the Roman Forum and the Colosseum

Frequently asked questions

What can you see in the House of Augustus? Frescoes in the Second Pompeian Style, including the "Studiolo" and the Sala delle Maschere, with faux architecture, theatrical scenes, and vivid colors.

What makes the House of Livia special? Its frescoes are among the best preserved from antiquity, with faux architecture, landscapes, and walls that simulate gardens: a masterpiece of Roman painting.

What is the Second Pompeian Style? A style of Roman wall painting based on architectural and perspective illusions that "breaks through" the walls with faux columns, windows, and spaces.

Do you see only the houses or more? You also see the rest of the Palatino: imperial palaces, the Stadium, the Museo Palatino, and superb views over the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus.

Do you need a guide? It isn't required, but to fully appreciate the frescoes and their historical context, a guided visit or solid preparation helps a great deal.

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Article #480 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026