In Imperial Roman times, this area was home to the wealthiest citizens of Rome, although it was also the location of the zoo in which the beasts used in the entertainments at the Colosseum were housed. Obviously, the ancient history of the area makes it one of the richest archeological treasure chests of the city.
Within the park (Parco del Colle Oppio) which stretches from the apartment as far as the Colosseum lie the Baths of Trajan, an imposing spa complex built over the ruins of Emperor Nero’s imperial villa, the Domus Aurea. Following the death of Nero, his successors left his home to go to ruin and then used the foundations of the villa to build the baths.
Since the 1930s the area has been designated an archeological area. As a result, a sunset stroll along the main avenue of the park allows both magnificent views of historic architecture and a pleasant form of gentle exercise, a wonderful experience at any time of the year.
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