Placed 40 meters beyond the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is the most middle of Rome’s seven hills and forms one of the city’s oldest parts. In Palatine Hill, you can notice hundreds of ruins of the majestic buildings constructed for high Roman civilization in ancient times. Throughout the Republican Period, Roman residents belonging to the upper class lived and built magnificent palaces, of which essential traces are still preserved. Palatine Hill is a lovely place for a peaceful stroll under the trees’ umbra while passing many ancient Rome’s defended corners.
Price for combined ticket to visit the Palatine Hill
- Adults € 12
- European Union members (18 – 24) € 7.50
- Children (ages less than 17) and seniors (over 65) members of the EU: free entrance
Schedule
Every day: 8:30 am – 7 pm
Location
What to see in the Palatine Hill
In Palatine Hill, you can notice hundreds of ruins of the grand buildings built for high Roman civilization in ancient times. Although the whole picture is impressive, these are some of the parts that deserve special attention:
- Domus Flavia: The grand palace Domus Flavia was constructed in the year 81 B.C. by the rule of Emperor Domitian as a citizen and official residency. There are still some parts of the excellent construction that can be seen.
- House of Livia: This modestly-built house was constructed in the 1st century B.C. It is still probable to glimpse the remains of the mosaics and frescoes that at one time brightened up the ceilings and walls.
- Farnese Gardens: Planned in the middle of the 16th century on the remains of the Palace of Tiberius, the Farnese Gardens were one of the first floral gardens to be created in Europe.
- Palatine Museum: In this small museum, several discoveries made during excavations carried out on Palatine Hill are exhibited. It contains sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, and other objects belonging to the golden age of Palatine Hill.
According to the legend
Roman mythicism talks of the cave populated by Luperca, the she-wolf that took care of Romulus and Remus, placed in the Palatine Hill. According to the story, when the siblings grew up, they decided to build a city on the river banks, but when they could not accept some declaration points, Romulus killed Remus and established Rome’s city.