The Palatine Hill In Rome, Italy

This guide to the Palatine Hill in Rome, which is one of the Seven Hills of Rome, will help guide you as you make vacation plans for your next visit to Italy.

The Palatine Hill in Rome - Arch of Titus — Arch of Titus At Entrance

The Palatine is thought to be where Rome was born. It has always been the monumental center of ancient Rome, and it was here that the she-wolf suckled Remus and his twin Romulus. This was the place chosen by the first king of Rome in the 8th century BC to create the small village that eventually became the metropolis it is today.

Emperor Augustus, who was born there, made it the official seat of power of the Roman Empire. His successors continued this by building their sumptuous palaces here. Visitors can still see the residences of Augustus, Tiberius and Domitian and on top of the Palatine Hill the Severian Arcades dominate the Circus Maximus and offer one of the most beautiful views of the ancient and modern city.

Where Is Palatine Hill?

Palatine Hill is one of the Seven Hills of Rome, Italy and is at the center of the historical city. Palatine hill is adjacent to the Colosseum and it connects to the Roman Forum. These three sites together are usually part of a ticket bundle that tourists can buy if they are interested in seeing all three amazing sites.

What Can I Visit On The Palatine Hill?

The most dominant ruin on this site is the Palace of Domitian. Like many things from that era, the palace was built over the earlier buildings of Nero in order to gain the favor of the people of Rome because of Nero’s lack of popularity. This palace is the official residence of Emperor Domitian and then was used by subsequent emperors.

The Palatine Hill in Rome - Palace of Domitian — Palace of Domitian

Part of the Palace of Domitian is his Hippodrome or Stadium. It is in the shape of a Roman Circus, like the nearby Circus Maximus, but it is far too small for chariots so it acts as a garden.

The House of Augustus, which was identified as the primary residence of Emperor Augustus, is located near the so-called Hut of Romulus, which as legend has it, is connected to the foundation of Rome. The House of Livia, who was the wife of Augustus, is thought to be hers because of the proximity to the House of Augustus.

Is Palatine Hill Worth Seeing?

Palatine Hill is worth visiting on its own because of its importance and beautiful views of the city, including the best view of Circus Maximus. In addition, the entrance fee to Palatine hill is also combined with access to the Roman Forum, which is a valuable combination for any tourist to Rome.

How Long Does It Take To Climb Palatine Hill?

The time needed for visiting Palatine Hill is totally dependent on you. If you are planning on using a tour guide, which I highly recommend, you should expect to be there for as long as their tour will last. Ask your guide for an estimate of the time required. If you choose to self-guide, you can expect to spend, at a minimum, 1 hour walking around Palatine Hill. This too is dependent on if you plan to read every placard that is posted around the site to learn more about what you are seeing.

What Is The Difference Between Roman Forum And Palatine Hill?

the Palatine Hill in Rome- Stadium of Domitian — Stadium of Domitian

These are two different sites, but the access is available with a single ticket and they can be reached easily from the Arch of Titus near the entry. You will see signs pointing you to the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) and the opposite direction for Palatine Hill.

I’ve mentioned above some of the sites that are on Palatine Hill, and look for a follow-up post on what you can enjoy seeing in the Roman Forum, which was the center of daily life in Imperial Rome.

How Much Does It Cost For Tickets To Palatine Hill?

There are a number of ticketing options available to you, depending on how you would like to bundle your tickets.

The Super Pass to Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forum, including additional sites within these parks. These are valid for one day and for 30 days from the purchase. These cost €18.00.
The 24-Hour Pass allows you access to the parks over 24 hours, which can allow you to split it over two days. These cost €18.00.

There are discounts available if you have purchased a Roma Pass. For more information, check out my previous post on buying tickets for the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

What Is The Best Way To See Palatine Hill?

As with any site in Rome, I would strongly recommend getting to the entrance to Palatine Hill 15 minutes before it opens. These places fill up quickly, even during the off-season, so trying to avoid the crowds is an important consideration. Also, unless you love baking in the sun, being first in line will help minimize the challenges of overheating. Also, don’t hesitate to bring in a bottle of water, and if you forget, water and coffee is available at a couple resting spots in the park.

the Palatine Hill in Rome - Rose Garden — Boni’s Rose Garden

When Is Palatine Hill Open?

As for operating hours, Palatine Hill park is open everyday, and the hours are as follows:

January 2nd to February 28th: 9:00 – 16:30
March 1st to 26th: 9:00 – 17:30
March 27th to August 31st: 9:00 – 19:15
September 1st to 30th: 9:00 – 19:00
October 1st to 29th: 9:00 – 18:30
October 30th to December 31st: 9:00 – 16:30

There are a couple of other things to keep in mind. The last admission to the parks will be one hour before closing. Also, there are “SUPER” sites within the park that have different hours, but within those listed above. If there is a specific “SUPER” site you would like to visit, check the website to confirm the time it is open.

Plan Your Visit To Rome With This Travel Suggestion

If you are planning to visit the Palatine Hill in Rome and/or other sites in the area, like the Roman Forum or the Colosseum, these other posts may be helpful to you for your vacation planning: