The centermost of Rome's seven hills, where Romulus supposedly founded the city in 753 BC. The Imperial palaces were built here — Domus Augustana, Domus Flavia, House of Livia. Less crowded than the Forum below, with gardens, ruins, and sweeping views.
Location
Palatino, Rome
Map
Insider Intel
Combined ticket with Colosseum and Forum. Enter from Via di San Gregorio for better flow. Explore the House of Augustus and House of Livia (frescoes are exceptional if open). Walk through the Farnese Gardens (Renaissance gardens on top of Imperial ruins). The Palatine Museum has artifacts from the hill excavations. Views over the Circus Maximus are excellent from the south side.
Afternoon for golden light over the Forum below. The hill has trees and shade, making it more tolerable than the Forum in midday heat. Two-day ticket allows you to split Forum and Palatine visits.
The Palatine was the most prestigious address in ancient Rome — emperors built their palaces here starting with Augustus. The word 'palace' derives from Palatine. Excavations began in the 18th century but much of the hill remains unexcavated. The frescoes in the House of Augustus (reopened 2008 after restoration) are rare surviving examples of Roman domestic painting. The Palatine is less overwhelming than the Forum — the ruins are more intact and the scale more comprehensible. Essential for understanding Imperial Rome.