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.