PALATINE HILL
Visit the Palatine Hill in Rome
The Palatine Hill preserves the remains of Iron Age settlements, forming the oldest nucleus of the city of Rome. The hill hosted important city cults, including that of the Magna Mater. In the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. it became the residential quarter of the Roman aristocracy, building elegant dwellings characterised by exceptional pictorial and floor decorations, including the House of the Griffins. Augustus symbolically chose the hill as the site of his homeconsisting of several buildings, including the House of Livia. Later the hill became seat of the imperial palacessuch as the Domus Tiberiana, the Domus Transitoria, the Domus Aurea and finally the Domus Flavia, divided into a public and private sector, known as the Domus Augustana. The complex and overlapping floor plans show how the various residences were interconnected, even through underground corridors that were often highly decorated, such as the Neronian Cryptoporticus, one of the best preserved. The presence of the imperial palaces created a strong identification and the place name Palatium has become synonymous with residential building in modern languages.
How to buy a ticket to visit the Palatine Hill?
Locate your date
Check availability
Make Payment
Download your ticket
Booking guide for the Palatine Hill visit
Attention: Visits to the Palatine Hill are very popular and access is regulated to ensure an optimal and safe experience for visitors. For this reason, we advise you to book your tickets well in advance. Secure entry to the Palatine Hill, an archaeological site of inestimable historical and cultural value, by booking your tickets directly online to avoid long queues and stress.
Attention: The Palatine Hill offers an unrepeatable experience in the heart of Rome, thanks to its ancient ruins and legendary monuments, such as the House of Augustus, the Domus Augustana, and the wonderful Orti Farnesiani.
To make the most of this experience, book a guided tour and let experts accompany you, who will reveal the secrets and extraordinary stories behind each ruin and monument.
- Palatine Hill tickets with restricted accessfrom € 16.00 - Book now
- Palatine Hill tickets with guided tourfrom € 30.00 - Book now
Would you like to explore the Palatine Hill with a language guide? Book your tour and choose your preferred language to discover every detail of this unique archaeological site.
What to see on the Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills on which Rome was founded, is one of the most fascinating places in the Eternal City, steeped in history and legend. Situated between the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus, the Palatine Hill is considered the birthplace of Rome, where, according to tradition, Romulus founded the city in 753 B.C. Exploring the Palatine Hill means plunging into millennia of history and discovering monuments, ruins and gardens that tell of the glorious past of the capital of the Roman Empire.
What to see on the Palatine Hill
House of Augustus: One of the main attractions on the Palatine is the House of Augustus, the residence of Emperor Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. This well-preserved archaeological complex offers visitors the opportunity to admire ancient frescoed rooms and mosaics that narrate the life and politics of one of the most important figures in Roman history.
House of Livia: Located next to the House of Augustus, the House of Livia, wife of Augustus, is another fascinating example of ancient Roman architecture. Known for its well-preserved frescoes, the house offers a glimpse into the private life of the imperial family.
Palace of the Flavians: This complex, built by the emperors of the Flavian dynasty, was the official seat of imperial power. The palace ruins include the peristyle, the throne room and other rooms that were used for public and private purposes by the emperors.
Domus Augustana: Part of the Flavian Palace complex, the Domus Augustana was the private residence of the emperors. Excavations have brought to light magnificent mosaics and structures that testify to the grandeur and wealth of the imperial residence.
Stadium of Domitian: Located within the Palatine Hill, the Stadium of Domitian, also known as Hippodromus Palatii, was used for athletic competitions and private events of the emperors. Today, the remains of this stadium offer clear evidence of the Romans' passion for sport and entertainment.
Orti Farnesiani: Created in the 16th century by the Farnese family, these Renaissance gardens were built on the Roman ruins, offering a pleasant contrast between lush nature and ancient ruins. A walk through the Orti Farnesiani provides a spectacular view of Rome and an appreciation of the natural beauty of the Palatine Hill.
Palatine Museum: Located in the heart of the hill, the Palatine Museum houses a vast collection of archaeological artefacts found during excavations in the area. Here you can admire statues, fragments of frescoes, mosaics and everyday objects that tell the story of life on the Palatine from Republican to Imperial times.
Panoramic View of the Roman Forum: One of the highlights of a visit to the Palatine Hill is the breathtaking view of the Roman Forum below. From the top of the hill, you can admire a unique view of some of Rome's most famous ruins, such as the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Basilica of Maxentius.
The Palatine Hill is an essential stop for anyone visiting Rome, offering a journey through the city's history from its mythical origins to the imperial era. With its archaeological remains, magnificent gardens and spectacular views, the Palatine Hill is a place that allows you to experience first-hand the grandeur and beauty of ancient Rome
How to get to the Palatine Hill
Address: Via di San Gregorio, 30, 00186 Rome RM, Italy. The Palatine Hill is located in the heart of Rome, between the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus, and is easily reached by various means of transport
- Metro: The nearest metro stop is 'Colosseo' (Line B). From here, the Palatine Hill is about a 10-minute walk away.
- Buses: Bus lines 75, 81, 85, 87 and 118 all stop near the Palatine Hill. Get off at the 'Fori Imperiali/Campidoglio' or 'Circo Massimo' stop and follow the signs to the entrance.
- Tram: Tram line 3 stops at the 'Colosseum' stop, from where it is a few minutes' walk to the Palatine Hill.
If you prefer to arrive by car, please note that the Palatine Hill is located in a restricted traffic zone (ZTL). It is advisable to park in a nearby area not subject to ZTL, such as the Circus Maximus car park or the one near the Bocca della Verità, and continue on foot. Also bear in mind that finding parking nearby may be difficult, especially during rush hours.
Taxis are a convenient option to reach the Palatine Hill. You can take a taxi from anywhere in the city and ask the driver to take you to 'Via di San Gregorio, Colle Palatino'. Taxi fares vary depending on the starting point, but generally, for routes from the city centre, the cost is moderate.
For those who enjoy walking or cycling, reaching the Palatine Hill on foot or by bike is a good choice to enjoy the beauty of Rome along the way. The hill is within walking distance of major Roman monuments such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus. If you are in the historical centre, you can easily reach it on foot in about 15-20 minutes. There are also bike-sharing stations nearby to rent a bike.
Visitor reviews
The Roman Forum is an unmissable place for anyone who wants to learn more about the grandeur of ancient Rome. The beauty and majesty of its monuments make the experience of a visit unique and unforgettable.
The Roman Forum is a magical place that offers the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the life of ancient Rome. The tour guide who accompanied us on the visit was incredibly knowledgeable and gave the historical information in an engaging and interesting way.
Visiting the Roman Forum was one of the highlights of my holiday in Rome. Admiring the Arch of Titus and the Curia, among other monuments, made me feel a bit like I was in the middle of the Roman Empire.
The Roman Forum offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its history. The view of the Capitol in particular was one of the highlights of the visit.
The visit to the Roman Forum was an educational and evocative experience. Being surrounded by the history of ancient Rome made me feel very humbled and gave me a great sense of respect for the greatness of Roman civilisation and its empire.