Marble Steps Before the Imperial Residence             NW     N      - 
(-------------------------------------------------)     W <---(M)---> E
                                                        -      S      -

To your north is the Imperial Residence, the outstanding monument to the
Diocletian reign.  Its dimensions are formidable, in plan, it is about 270
feet long and 240 feet wide, and its crown rises some 180 feet above the
pavement.  The exterior view is dominated by the great dome, the huge
buttresses that flow downward, and the soaring spires that extend from the
four corners of the building.  The huge narthex entrance is to your direct
north, over which is a canopy like dome.  Gardens and fountains line the
long peristyle garden to your south.  
A small diseased gray rat runs past your leg.