Palatine Hill

This hill is where the Roman State began, and where Rome's Emperors used to live. Today it boasts many remains from their magnificent palaces.

TravelCurious Tip

It’s well worth following a guided tour to discover the layered history of the sites on the hill.

The birthplace of Rome

Palatine Hill is the most central of Rome’s seven hills, and the ancient seat of kings and emperors. According to legend the Palatine was the site of the Lupercal, the cave in which the infant twins Romulus and Remus were found and raised by a she-wolf, and where Hercules defeated the fire-breathing giant Cacus.

The Roman State was allegedly founded when Romulus, ruler of the Palatine who gave Rome its name, made a pact with Titus Tatius who ruled Capitoline Hill on the opposite side of what is now the Roman Forum. The Palatine Hill is therefore one of the oldest known seats of power in the world. Indeed, excavations on the site show that there has been human settlement there for approximately 3000 years.

Towering achievement

The word ‘palace’ is derived from the name of this hill, as so many Roman rulers built their lavish residences on the Palatine. Climb the hill today and you will find extensive ruins of the once splendid palaces and gardens of some of Rome’s most famous emperors, including those of Augustus, Tiberius and the Flavian Palace, as well as the Temple to Apollo built by Augustus, and Domitian’s impressive Hippodrome.

Not only is there a visual feast upon the hill itself, but from the top you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding city, the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum. There is also a museum at the top of the hill in which there are some recovered statues and other items, and a short informative video in various languages. You can visit Palatine Hill along with the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, all on the one ticket.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Rome
Colosseum
The Roman Empire’s largest amphitheatre, and one of the world’s most awe-inspiring ancient monuments.
Roman Forum
The political, religious and civic heart of ancient Rome.
Arch of Constantine
The largest and most magnificent of Rome's triumphal arches, with a curious history in its sculpture.
Arch of Titus
One of Rome's most iconic triumphal arches, and the model for the Parisian Arc de Triomphe.
Temple of Caesar
Remains of the temple of Julius Caesar.
Circus Maximus
A magnificent ancient chariot racing stadium.

Related Tours

Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Private Tour

On this private tour, you will time travel back 2,000 years to visit the Ancient Rome sites that were of significance to the Roman Empire including the Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, and the Palatine Hill, where the city of Rome was founded on.

On your private tour, you will: 

  • Explore the Colosseum and learn of its architectural secrets, and of the gladiators who fought here;
  • Hear stories about some of the empire's greatest emperors, like Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar, and stories of its' cruellest emperors: Nero and Caligula;
  • Discover the Roman Forum, the heart of Ancient Rome and an open-air meeting site;
  • Take in the vast scale of the Imperial Palaces on Palatine Hill.

You will start your tour at the ancient Colosseum, which is an enduring symbol of the power, prowess and bloodlust of the Roman Empire. Although damaged over the years by earthquakes, pollution and stone robbers, it remains a truly spectacular structure.

The building hasn’t been used for entertainment since the early medieval era; in the following centuries, it was employed variously as a fortress, Christian shrine, and housing for a religious order.

Your next stop will be the Roman Forum where you will come across remnants of magnificent temples, law courts, palaces and marketplaces, while your guide shares the stories of what daily life in the heart of the Roman Empire was like.

Your tour will end at Palatine Hill – the birthplace of the Roman Senate, and where Rome’s Emperors lived and ruled from. The word ‘palace’ is derived from the name of this hill, as so many Roman rulers built their lavish residences on the Palatine.

Climb the hill today, and you will find extensive ruins of the once splendid palaces and gardens of some of Rome’s most famous emperors, including those of Augustus, Tiberius and the Flavian Palace, as well as the Temple to Apollo built by Augustus, and Domitian’s impressive Hippodrome.

Please note: During the Jubilee Year, Rome is expected to experience increased visitor numbers and heightened security measures. While we strive to provide a seamless experience, some attractions may face last-minute closures without prior notice, longer-than-usual wait times, or time restrictions on visits inside certain attractions due to crowd control policies.

In such cases, your guide will expertly adapt the itinerary to ensure the best possible experience, using their local knowledge to navigate any challenges. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to make your visit to Rome unforgettable despite these unique circumstances.
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