Palatine Hill Rome: Tickets, Opening Hours, Visitor Guide

Q: Why is the Palatine Hill called so?

Palatine Hill derives its name from "Palatium," the Latin word for "palace," because it was the site of imperial palaces and the residence of Rome's elite. It's also linked to the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus.

Q: What is the height of the Palatine Hill?

Palatine Hill stands approximately 131 feet (40 meters) above the Roman Forum, offering panoramic views of Rome and its ancient landmarks.

Q: Do you need a ticket to enter Palatine Hill?

Yes, you need a ticket to enter Palatine Hill. The standard ticket includes access to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance, and prices start at €18.

Q: Is Palatine Hill worth it?

Palatine Hill is definitely worth visiting. It offers stunning views of Rome, ancient ruins, and insights into Roman history. It's less crowded than the Colosseum and provides a more tranquil experience.

Q: Should I go to Palatine Hill or the Roman Forum first?

It's recommended to visit Palatine Hill first because it's higher and offers excellent viewpoints from which to understand the layout of the Roman Forum below.

Q: Is there a dress code for Palatine Hill?

There is no specific dress code for Palatine Hill. However, comfortable walking shoes are advisable due to uneven terrain and cobblestones. Dressing in layers is also recommended due to variable weather.

Q: What's the difference between the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill?

The Roman Forum was the center of Roman public life, filled with temples, marketplaces, and government buildings. Palatine Hill, adjacent to the Forum, was the residential area of Roman emperors and aristocrats, featuring palaces and gardens.

Q: Can I enter Palatine Hill before the Colosseum?

Yes, you can enter Palatine Hill before the Colosseum. The standard ticket grants access to all three sites, and you can choose the order of your visit based on your preference.

Q: How long to spend at Palatine Hill?

Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Palatine Hill. This allows enough time to visit the ruins, enjoy the gardens, and take in the views of Rome.

Palatine Hill, or Monte Palatino in Italian, overlooks the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus. Rome was founded here, and no visit to the Eternal City is complete without exploring its rich history.

The hill is central to the legend of Romulus and Remus and features a green area with wildflowers among ruins and the beauty of the Farnese Gardens. Additionally, it offers many panoramic views of Rome.

Things to Know before Visit Palatine Hill

Why is the Palatine Hill called so?

What is the height of the Palatine Hill?

Do you need a ticket to enter Palatine Hill?

Is Palatine Hill worth it?

Should I go to Palatine Hill or the Roman Forum first?

Is there a dress code for Palatine Hill?

What’s the difference between the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill?

Can I enter Palatine Hill before the Colosseum?

How long to spend at Palatine Hill?

7 Unusual and Non-Trivial Facts About Palatine Hill

The term “palace” is derived from “Palatium,” one of the three summits of Palatine Hill. This summit’s name eventually became synonymous with grand residences.
The Farnese Gardens on Palatine Hill were among the first botanical gardens in Europe. They were once filled with exotic plants and were accessible only to the elite.
The House of Augustus featured an advanced system of underfloor heating known as a hypocaust. This system heated rooms during winter, a luxury in ancient times.
The Lupercal Cave, where Romulus and Remus were supposedly found, was also the site of the Lupercalia festival. This ancient festival involved the sacrifice of goats and dogs and was believed to purify the city and promote health and fertility.
Palatine Hill had several hidden tunnels and passageways that connected various buildings and provided escape routes for emperors and nobility during crises.
Some structures on Palatine Hill are believed to have been aligned with celestial bodies. The Temple of Apollo, for instance, may have been designed to mark specific astronomical events.
Archaeologists have found ancient graffiti on Palatine Hill, some of which provides insights into the daily lives and thoughts of the people who once lived there. These inscriptions often include political messages, personal names, and even crude drawings.

History

Palatine Hill is significant because it was the birthplace of the Roman Empire under Romulus’s direction. It is also the site of the Lupercal Cave, where, according to legend, the she-wolf Lupa found and raised Romulus and Remus. This site has become a symbol of Rome.
The hill served as a residential district. It was believed that the air was cleaner at the top, reducing the nobility’s risk of catching diseases from the working class.

Moreover, Augustus, Marcus Antonius, and Cicero had homes on the Palatine

The Palatine consisted of three summits: the Germalus, the Veila, and the Palatium. The Palatium was the most important and later gave its name to the entire hill.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the hill’s architecture also fell into ruin. It was restored in the Middle Ages into a stronghold but was abandoned over the years. During this period, almost the entire hill was owned by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, who created a botanical garden on top of it.

What to See

The hill covers a large area with significant excavations.

Domus Flavia

Domus Flavia was built in 81 BC by Emperor Domitian as an official residence. Today, you can find extensive ruins of it.

House of Augustus

The House of Augustus was his private residence. It features original colorful frescoes that have survived through time.

House of Livia

The House of Livia was built in the 1^st century BC. It still has original mosaics and frescoes on the walls and ceilings.

Farnese Gardens

Built-in 1550, Alessandro Farnese created his botanical gardens atop the ruins of the Palace of Tiberius (Palace of Caligula), constructed in the 1^st century AD. It was one of the first botanical gardens in Europe, featuring many rare plants.

Palatine Museum

The Palatine Museum contains Roman sculptures, excavations, statues, frescoes, and mosaics from the ancient Roman elite.

The Ruins

Palatine Hill has many ruins from ancient palaces. Near the Circus Maximus, you will find remains of the Palace of Septimius Severus and the ruins of his baths. Severus was the Roman emperor between 193 and 211 AD.

North of the Palace of Septimius Severus is a stadium built alongside the Palace of Domitian. Over three centuries, the Palace, constructed in 81 AD, was considered Rome’s most enormous Palace. It had two wings: a private one (the Domus Augustana) and a public one (the Domus Flavia). Today, you can find the remains of both on Palatine Hill.

Archaeologists discovered remains of an early settlement that date back to the times of the first king of Rome, Romulus. The site is known as the Hut of Romulus.

Nearby Attractions

Velian Hill

4 min 690 ft 210 m

Triumphal Arch of Constantine

5 min 850 ft 260 m

Roman Forum

7 min 1080 ft 330 m

Colosseum

8 min 1280 ft 390 m

Arch of Janus

8 min 1310 ft 400 m

Mamertine Prison

9 min 1440 ft 440 m

Circus Maximus

9 min 1540 ft 470 m

Fountain of the Goddess Roma

10 min 1670 ft 510 m

Capitoline Museums

10 min 1710 ft 520 m

Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin

10 min 1710 ft 520 m

Author: Artur Jakucewicz

I have lived in Rome for over 10 years and am glad to share my experience and knowledge. I love ancient history and architecture — author of travel guides in Italy for independent travelers.

Palatine Hill