Aula Ottagona

Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo


Hidden behind a stark rectangular facade, the Aula Ottagona (Octangonal Classroom) was once part of the Diocletian Bath complex. In the 1920s the huge cupola was used as a planetarium. The beautiful vaulted space is now part of the Museo Nazionale Romano and hosts occasional temporary exhibitions.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo attractions

1. Piazza della Repubblica

0.06 MILES

Flanked by grand 19th-century neoclassical colonnades, this landmark piazza near Termini was laid out as part of Rome’s post-unification makeover. It…

2. Fontana delle Naiadi

0.06 MILES

Built in the late 19th century, this fountain was originally decorated with four lions; these were replaced by sculptor Mario Rutelli's bronze naiads …

6. Chiesa di San Paolo entro le Mura

0.18 MILES

With its stripy neo-Gothic exterior, Rome’s American Episcopal church is decorated with some unusual 19th-century mosaics designed by the Birmingham-born…