Above the Roman Forum, towering over the ancient city, stands one of the most evocative and historically rich places in Rome: the Palatine Hill. According to legend, it was on this hill that Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC, killing his brother Remus. But beyond the myth, the Palatine has been for centuries the preferred residence of emperors, an exclusive neighborhood where Roman power built majestic palaces, hanging gardens, and temples dedicated to the gods.
Today, walking among its ruins means traversing the very places where Augustus, Tiberius, Nero, and Domitian lived, admiring breathtaking panoramic views of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The Palatine is not just a hill: it is thesymbol of the origin and peak of Roman civilization, an archaeological site of extraordinary wealth that deserves an in-depth visit.
This article will guide you through the history, monuments, and curiosities of the Palatine, explaining why it is considered the “cradle of Rome” and one of the most fascinating places in the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum.
History of the Palatine: from legend to imperial residence
The myth of Romulus and Remus
Literary tradition (Titus Livius, Plutarch, Dionysius of Halicarnassus) places the founding of Rome on thePalatine. According to legend, the twins Romulus and Remus, sons of Mars and the vestal Rea Silvia, were abandoned on the waters of the Tiber and saved by a she-wolf who nursed them in a cave, theLupercale, located right at the foot of the Palatine Hill. Once they grew up, they decided to found a city on the hill where they had been saved. Romulus traced the sacred boundary (pomerium) and killed Remus for crossing it, thus becoming the first king of Rome.
Archaeological excavations have confirmed settlements dating back tothe 10th century BC., with wooden and clay huts identical to those described by historians. At the summit of the Palatine, the foundations of a hut dating to the 8th century BC have been found, traditionally referred to as the House of Romulus (Casa Romuli).
The regal and republican age: temples and patrician houses
During the monarchy (753–509 BC) and the early Republic, the Palatine became a residential area for the most influential patrician families. Archaic temples such as the Temple of Magna Mater (Cybele), brought from Pessinus in 204 BC and inaugurated in 191 BC on the western summit of the hill. Here, the mysterious rites of theMegalensia.
Many illustrious figures had houses on the Palatine, including Cicero, Crassus, and Mark Antony. But the decisive turning point came with Octavian Augustus, who chose the hill as his private and symbolic residence.
Augustus and the birth of the imperial palace
After the Battle of Actium (31 BC), Augustus became the first Roman emperor. Rejecting the sumptuous palaces of the Hellenistic kings, he purchased a modest house on the Palatine, theHouse of Augustus, located next to the Temple of Apollo Palatinus. He had theTemple of Apollobuilt next to it (28 BC) and theHouse of Livia(wife), with splendid frescoes in the second Pompeian style. This area became the core of imperial power, so much so that the termpalatium(from Palatine) came to indicate the residence of the sovereign in all European languages (palace, palace, Palast).
The Julio-Claudian era and the palace of Tiberius
Subsequent emperors expanded and beautified the Palatine.Tiberiusbuilt a large residence on the northwest side, theDomus Tiberiana, connected to the Roman Forum by a monumental ramp. Caligula, Nero, and Domitian added wings, gardens, and reception halls. However, the true architectural colossus was created by the Flavian dynasty.
Domitian and the Flaminian Palace: the Palatine becomes a royal palace
EmperorDomitian (81–96 AD)entrusted the architect Rabirius with the construction of an immense palace complex that covered almost the entire summit of the Palatine: theFlaminian Palace(or Domus Flavia – Domus Augustana). It was not a single building, but a collection of distinct buildings:
Domus Flavia: the public and ceremonial part, with a huge throne room (Aula Regia), a basilica for audiences (Basilica), a large peristyle (porticoed courtyard with a labyrinth fountain) and a triclinium (dining room) overlooking the Circus Maximus.
Domus Augustana: the private part of the emperor, with apartments, hanging gardens (Palatine Stadium or Domitian's Hippodrome) and a semicircular exedra overlooking the Circus Maximus.
This model of a 'two-level palace' (public and private) was imitated by all subsequent emperors until the end of the Empire.
From Nero to the Severans: the Palatine as a city of power
Nero, after the fire of 64 AD, had built the gigantic Domus Aurea, which extended from the Palatine to the Esquiline. But his legacy was largely erased by the Flavians. Subsequent emperors (Trajan, Hadrian, Septimius Severus) added new buildings: theBaths of Septimius Severuson the southwest side, another large palace (Domus Severiana) and monumental nymphaea.
With the crisis of the third century and the transfer of the court, the Palatine lost importance. In the Middle Ages, it was occupied by churches, convents, and gardens (such as the Farnese Garden). From the 16th century, Roman nobles (Farnese, Spada, Barberini) built gardens and villas there, some of which are still visible.
Architecture and main monuments of the Palatine
Today, the Palatine is part of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum together with the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Here are the must-see monuments (in ideal visiting order, starting from the entrance on Via di San Gregorio or from the Arch of Titus).
1. The House of Augustus (House of Octavian)
Discovered in the early 20th century and restored in recent decades, the House of Augustus s one of the best-preserved residences from the republican era transformed into imperial. It consists of modest rooms (no more than two stories) with extraordinarily high-quality frescoes: the second Pompeian style with illusionistic architecture, theatrical masks, and mythological scenes. Among the most famous rooms: the study (tablinum) with frescoes that imitate precious marbles and the Pinacotheca (gallery of paintings). Open to the public in limited numbers.
2. The House of Livia
Adjacent to the House of Augustus, it was the residence of his wife Livia Drusilla. Also decorated with frescoes in the second style, it features mythological scenes (the nymph Galatea, Polyphemus) and floral motifs. One room stands out for its depiction of aflowering gardenwith birds and fruit trees, symbolizing the ideal of domestic peace.
3. The Temple of Apollo Palatine
Commissioned by Augustus after the victory at Actium (31 BC), it was inaugurated in 28 BC. It was an octastyle temple made of white marble, surrounded by a portico with Greek and Latin libraries. Today, only the podium and some columns remain. Next to it stood thePorticus Octaviae(not to be confused with the monument in Campo Marzio). During ceremonies, the Senate would gather here.
4. The Domus Tiberiana
The palace of Tiberius, which overlooked the Roman Forum, was expanded by Caligula and Nero. One can recognize the large vaulted rooms, the underground corridors (cryptoporticus), and the ramps that descend towards the Forum. From the upper terrace, there is an exceptional view of the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
5. The Ramp of Domitian and the Flaminian Palace
A monumental covered ramp (Cryptoporticus) connected the Palatine to the Forum. Today, it is partially traversed. Entering the area of the Flaminian Palace one encounters the imposing Aula Regia (throne room), a space about 30 meters high with niches for colossal statues. Theperistyleis bordered by columns of Egyptian granite (mostly reconstructed today) and in the center there was a labyrinth-shaped fountain. TheBasilica(audience hall) and theTriclinium(dining room) feature floors made of polychrome marbles (opus sectile).
6. The Palatine Stadium (Domitian's Hippodrome)
A huge rectangular structure (about 160 x 50 m) that Domitian had built as a hanging garden and for horse racing or athletics (it was not a true hippodrome). Surrounded by a two-story portico and exedras, it represents the emperor's private leisure area. Today it is a green oasis with cypress trees and a view of the Circus Maximus.
7. The Nymphaeum and the Baths of Septimius Severus
On the southwest side of the Palatine, Septimius Severus (193–211 AD) had a large nymphaeum (monumental fountain) built in multiple tiers, later transformed into baths (Severan Baths). The exposed brick structures overlook the Circus Maximus. Here you can admire some hypocaust rooms (underfloor heating) and pools.
8. The Domus Severiana
An extension of the palace to the south, built by the emperor himself, with panoramic terraces overlooking the Circus Maximus and the side of the Colosseum. Many structures have collapsed, but the mass is impressive.
9. The Crypt of Domitian (Cryptoporticus)
A long underground corridor (about 130 m) that Domitian had built to connect the Domus Flavia to the Domus Augustana, protected from the sun and rain. The walls were frescoed and the barrel vaults were illuminated by skylights. Today it is partially open to visitors.
10. The Farnese Garden and the Panoramic Views
In the 16th century, the Farnese created an Italian garden at the top of the Palatine Hill, with terraces that offer one of the most beautiful views of Rome: on one side the Roman Forum and the Capitol, on the other the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Here are also the remains of theHouse of Romulus, (foundations of huts).
11. The Basilica of San Sebastiano al Palatino
A small medieval building (10th century) built on the remains of the Domus Augustana, now used as an exhibition space and refreshment area (costs are not mentioned). It preserves some 14th-century frescoes.
Curiosities and Recent Discoveries on the Palatine
The Lupercale: in 2007, during excavations on the Palatine, archaeologists discovered an underground vaulted cave, decorated with mosaics and shells, which could be the mythical Lupercale (the cave where the she-wolf nursed Romulus and Remus). The discovery was made possible with ground-penetrating radar. Access is not public.
Graffiti and Inscriptions: in many areas of the Domitian palace, graffiti left by servants and courtiers have been found (lists of food, obscene jokes, names of gladiators).
The Color Purple: purple, the imperial color, was produced from the glands of a mollusk; the walls of the palace were painted purple as a sign of power.
Ancient Technologies: the heating systems (hypocausts) and water supply (Aqua Claudia aqueduct) were highly advanced; in the Flaminian Palace, there were even fountains that spouted during banquets.
The Palatine Today: Archaeology, Tourism, and Conservation
The Palatine Hill is today one of the most studied and visited archaeological sites in the world. Excavation campaigns continue (University of Rome La Sapienza, Special Superintendency). Since 2016, with the establishment of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, the Palatine has undergone restorations, new museum setups, and enhancement of the domus (opening of the House of Augustus and the House of Livia with limited access).
The hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1980) and represents a unique example of historical stratification: Iron Age huts, republican houses, imperial palaces, Renaissance gardens, and noble villas. Walking on the Palatine means taking a journey through 3,000 years of history, immersed in greenery and silence, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Questions and Answers about the Palatine
1. Why is the Palatine Hill considered the founding site of Rome?
According to legend, Romulus founded the city on the Palatine in 753 BC, killing his brother Remus. Excavations have confirmed Bronze Age settlements (10th century BC) with huts identical to those described by historians.
2. Where does the word "palace" come from?
From the Latinpalatium, which referred to the Palatine and, by extension, the residence of the emperor. From here comes the Italian "palazzo", the French "palais", the English "palace", and the German "Palast".
3. Which emperors lived on the Palatine?
Almost all from Augustus until the end of the Empire. The most associated with the hill: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Nero (partially), Domitian, Trajan, Hadrian, Septimius Severus.
4. What can be seen today of the House of Augustus?
You can visit several frescoed rooms, including thetablinum, the study, a small library, and a room with frescoes of theatrical masks. Access is with a guide or by reservation only.
5. Is it true that on the Palatine Hill there is the cave where the she-wolf nursed Romulus and Remus?
A cave discovered in 2007, decorated with mosaics and shells, could be theLupercale. However, it is not open to visitors because it is located 16 meters deep and the excavations are not complete.
6. What is the most impressive monument on the Palatine Hill?
TheFlavian Palaceof Domitian, particularly the Aula Regia (throne room) and the Palatine Stadium. In terms of size, theDomus Severianais also remarkable.
7. Can you visit the underground areas of the Palatine?
Partially yes: the Crypt of Domitian (cryptoporticus) is open to the public; other underground areas are accessible only on special occasions or with guided tours.
8. What are the best panoramic views from the Palatine?
From the Farnese Garden you can see the Roman Forum and the Capitol; from the terrace of the Domus Tiberiana the Forum; from the Domus Severiana you can overlook the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum.
9. Is the Palatine connected to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum?
Yes, it is part of the same Archaeological Park. The single entrance allows you to visit all three sites. Walkways and ramps connect the Palatine to the Forum.
10. What recent discoveries have been made on the Palatine?
In recent years, new environments of theHouse of Augustus, an insula (Roman apartment building) from the imperial age, and marble statues have been found. In 2020, remains of a monumental fountain from the 4th century were discovered.
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Article revision date:May 15, 2026