Palatine Hill (Palatino)

The Basics

The remains of a number of palaces and villas built during the Roman empire are spread across Palatine Hill, including the House of Augustus (Casa di Augustus), Casa di Livia (residence of the emperor’s wife), and Emperor Domitian’s Domus Flavia, Domus Augustana, and Hippodrome. What remains of the 16th-century Farnese Gardens (Orti Farnesiani) are located on the ruins of the palace of Emperor Tiberius, offering beautiful views over the city. Palatine Hill is also home to the Palatine Museum, with a collection of artifacts discovered in the area’s archaeological digs and a historic reconstruction of the huts where Romulus and Remus lived.

The Palatine Hill ruins are not easy to interpret to the untrained eye, as they are much less preserved than those in the Roman Forum. To best understand the sites and their historical and cultural importance, join a Palatine Hill tour led by a tour guide well versed in Roman history. Many walking tours and small-group tours stop at other ancient Roman monuments such as the nearby Colosseum and Forum, while others include a private tour guide and skip-the-line access to avoid any long lines. Consider combining your Palatine visit with a Colosseum tour, as single-entry tickets are available for Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, and Colosseum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Palatine Hill is a must for Roman history buffs. Older kids also enjoy ancient Rome tours, typically when accompanied by a guide experienced in engaging kids.

• Most of the hill ruins are open to the elements, so bring a hat and sunscreen in the summer, and dress warmly in winter.

• The archaeological site is spread out over the hillside along rough paths and uneven surfaces, so wear comfortable shoes. The site is not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

Palatine Hill is the centermost of Rome’s seven hills, located just above the Roman Forum. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo along line B.

When to Get There

Since most of the archaeological ruins on Palatine Hill are outdoors, try to visit on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. During the summer, the best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon.

Recent Excavations of Palatine Hill

This hillside overlooking the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum is still being excavated, and archaeologists have recently unearthed a palace believed to be the birthplace of Augustus—Rome’s first emperor. They have also found an underground cave that may have been the site of the ancient city’s Lupercalia celebrations, marking the spot where the she-wolf nursed Rome’s founder, Romulus, and his twin brother, Remus.

Ways to explore

The Palatine Hill ruins are not easy to interpret to the untrained eye, as they are much less preserved than those in the Roman Forum. To learn about their significance, join a Palatine Hill tour led by a guide well-versed in Roman history, and visit the Palatine Museum to see artifacts discovered in the area’s archaeological digs. Many small-group walking tours also offer skip-the-line visits to nearby monuments such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum. If you visit independently, be sure to reserve a multi-attraction ticket for Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum.

Accessibility

Palatine Hill is partially accessible, with wheelchairs available for rent and elevators to certain attractions, such as the Palatine Museum. Outside of the accessible route, parts of the hill are steep and uneven. The archaeological site also has sensory tactile panels throughout.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, clothing appropriate for the site’s historic nature

Not allowed

Writing on or damaging artifacts, lighting fires, veering off marked paths

Amenities

Restrooms, audio guides, bookshop

Address

Walking is the best way to get to Palatine Hill, as you’ll stroll with views of grand ancient sights such as the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine. You can even access the hill from the Roman Forum. Alternatively, travel by car or public transportation if it’s too far to walk.

Driving

Driving yourself around central Rome isn’t recommended due to bustling traffic and tricky parking, but taxis and rideshare apps can drop you off on the main streets surrounding the archaeological site.

Public transportation

From the Termini train station, take metro B line to the Colosseo stop, a short walk from Palatine Hill. Several bus lines stop near the site’s main entrance at Via di San Gregorio, 30.

Best times to visit

Head to the open-air Palatine Hill first thing in the morning to avoid the midday sun and give yourself plenty of time to explore nearby ancient attractions.

Best days to visit

Save money by lining up on free-admission days, such as the first Sunday of every month, or reserve your ticketed visit up to 30 days in advance.

Best months to visit

Visit Rome from March to May or September to October to enjoy Palatine Hill and the surrounding outdoor sights when the weather is at its best.