Palatine Hill

The First Nucleus of Empire

Ascend the Palatine Hill and step into what is known as the "first nucleus of the Roman Empire." As one of the most ancient parts of Rome, this central hill offers a profound sense of history. Here, you are walking upon ground occupied since the 10th century BC. The very name of the hill provides the etymological root for the word "palace" in numerous languages, and it remains a site where the layers of time—from prehistoric settlements to imperial grandeur—are laid bare before you.

Imperial Splendor and Ancient Residences

The Palatine was once the exclusive domain of emperors. As you explore the sprawling archaeological site, you can see the remains of massive palaces built by figures such as Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian. The scale of these structures is immense; for example, the Palace of Domitian dominates the site, having been rebuilt over earlier buildings from the reign of Nero. You can also find the House of Livia, noted for its frescoes, and the House of Tiberius, which was later incorporated into Nero’s sprawling complex.

Beyond the imperial heights, the hill tells a different story of early Roman life. You can visit the "Palatine House," a remarkably preserved aristocratic residence from the Republican era that survived the transition to the Imperial period. This site, featuring frescoed walls and mosaic floors, provides a rare glimpse into an ancient home that was not overbuilt by later palaces.

Mythology and Sacred Ground

The hill is steeped in the foundational myths of Rome. It was here that Romulus and Remus were discovered by the she-wolf in the Lupercal cave, and it was on these grounds that Romulus chose to found the city. You can still trace the history of the Lupercal; modern excavations beneath the remains of the House of Livia revealed a 16-meter-deep cavity decorated with mosaics and seashells. Additionally, you can find the site where Hercules is said to have defeated Cacus, an act that created a cleft in the hill's southeast corner, where a staircase still bears his name.

A Museum of History

The Palatine Hill serves as a vast open-air museum. Within this landscape, you can explore the remains of several key structures:

• The Temple of Apollo Palatinus
• The Temple of Cybele
• The Domus Severiana
• The Septizodium

If you wish to see artifacts recovered from these excavations and other ancient Italian sites, the Palatine Museum—housed in a portion of the 19th-century Villa Mattei—is located at the top of the hill.

Planning Your Visit

To experience the full scope of Rome's ancient wonders, consider utilizing a Roma Pass. This pass includes entry to the Palatine Hill and can also grant you access to other nearby landmarks like the Colosseum and the Baths of Caracalla. If your visit falls during "La settimana dei beni culturali" in mid-May, many government-owned sites, including this archaeological site, are available for free admission.