Palatine Hill is a broad rise of ancient ruins and gardens between the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. One of Rome’s seven hills, it offers a quieter counterpoint to the streets below: paths wind past imperial brickwork, umbrella pines and terraces overlooking the heart of the ancient city.
Roman tradition places the founding of Rome on the Palatine, where Romulus was said to have established the city. The hill later became a prestigious residential district and, under Augustus, a centre of imperial power. Its name eventually gave rise to the word “palace”. The vast remains of the Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana show the scale of the imperial residence built under Domitian, while the houses associated with Augustus and Livia preserve fragments of intricate wall painting.
The views are reason enough to visit Palatine Hill: from its edges, the Roman Forum spreads out on one side and the long outline of Circus Maximus on the other, making the geography of ancient Rome easier to grasp. The Renaissance-era Farnese Gardens add another layer to the site, and the hill’s open spaces reward visitors who allow time beyond the Colosseum and Forum.
Go early or in the late afternoon to avoid the strongest summer heat, and wear sturdy shoes for the uneven paths. Palatine Hill is generally visited on a combined ticket with the Roman Forum and Colosseum; check the current ticket conditions, opening hours and access to individual houses before going, as some areas require separate admission or close periodically.