Palatine Hill

Overview

Rising above the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill (Palatino) is the mythological and historical birthplace of Rome itself. It is a massive, atmospheric archaeological park largely covered by the staggering ruins of the colossal Imperial Palaces.

Highlights

• Domitian's Palace: the mind-bending footprint of the massive Imperial complex (Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana), featuring massive subterranean brick courtyards, deep octagonal marble fountains, and the huge private stadium.
• Farnese Gardens: The lush, beautifully peaceful 16th-century Renaissance botanical gardens built over the buried ruins of Tiberius's palace, offering staggering views straight down onto the Forum.
• House of Livia/Augustus: protected, incredibly excavated ancient private homes featuring some of the most brilliant, colourful, preserved 1st-century BC frescoes anywhere in Rome.

History

According to fierce Roman mythology, this is the exact hill where the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus was found in a massive cave (the Lupercal). During the Roman Republic, it was the exclusive, enormously wealthy residential neighborhood for the aristocracy. Emperor Augustus built his house here, starting a massive trend that resulted in the entire massive hill being totally swallowed by one colossal, sprawling palace complex for the Emperors.

Visitor Tips

• The Vibe: Compared to the chaotic, crowded Forum valley below it, the Palatine is quiet, wonderfully shaded by massive umbrella pines, and breeze-swept.
• The View: The single best, most iconic sweeping view down onto the Colosseum is found from the elevated, easternmost edge of the Palatine ruins.