Palatine Hill
Build a trip to Rome
About
The centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome, the Palatine is where the city was founded by Romulus according to legend. It became the exclusive domain of emperors, housing the sprawling ruins of the Domus Flavia and the Stadium of Domitian. The environment is lush with wildflowers and ancient pines, offering a more serene experience than the Forum below. Expert recommendation: visit the Palatine Museum to see artifacts found on-site and the House of Augustus for well-preserved frescoes. Pro tip: enter via the Via di San Gregorio entrance rather than the Colosseum side to drastically reduce your wait time for security checks.
Highlights
- Imperial Palace ruins
- Birthplace of Rome
- Farnese Gardens
- Stunning Forum views
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Roman Forum
Once the beating heart of ancient Rome, the Forum served as the city's central hub for political, religious, and commercial life for centuries. Walking down the Via Sacra, you encounter the ruins of the Curia, the Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Titus, evoking a sense of the immense power held by the Republic. The sensory experience is one of dusty majesty, where white marble fragments contrast against the deep green Mediterranean pines. Experts suggest starting at the Capitoline Hill overlook for a comprehensive layout view before descending. Pro tip: wear sturdy walking shoes as the ancient basalt stones are uneven; your Colosseum ticket includes entry here, so visit both on the same day.
.jpg)
Arch of Constantine
Triumphs were the ultimate honor for Roman generals, and this massive three-arched structure, erected in 315 AD, celebrates Constantine I’s victory at the Milvian Bridge. Interestingly, much of its decorative relief was 'recycled' from earlier monuments of Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius. Standing between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, it serves as a gateway to the ancient ceremonial heart of Rome. Expert recommendation: examine the different styles of carving to see the transition from classical to late-antique art. Pro tip: because it’s in a public open space, you can view it for free 24/7. It is beautifully lit at night, making it a great stop for late-evening strolls after the Colosseum crowds have left.
Circus Maximus
Once the premier chariot-racing stadium of ancient Rome, this vast green valley could hold over 150,000 spectators. While most of the original structure is gone, the scale of the site remains impressive, flanked by the Palatine and Aventine Hills. Today, it serves as a public park and a venue for massive concerts and celebrations. Expert recommendation: visit the 'Circus Maximus Experience,' an augmented reality tour that reconstructs the ancient stands and shops using VR goggles. Pro tip: it is one of the best places in Rome for a morning jog or a sunset walk, offering a majestic view of the Imperial Palaces on the hill above.
Colosseum (Colosseo)
The largest amphitheatre ever built, the Colosseum was constructed between 72-80 AD under emperors Vespasian and Titus and held between 50,000-80,000 spectators for gladiatorial combat, public spectacles, animal hunts, and re-enacted naval battles—the entertainment industry of the ancient world operated at a scale of brutality and spectacle that still staggers modern visitors. The four-story elliptical structure of travertine limestone, tuff, and concrete, built using the forced labor of Jewish slaves following the destruction of Jerusalem, was partially dismantled over the centuries to build other Roman structures but remains one of the greatest architectural achievements of any civilization. Pre-booked timed entry tickets are essential to avoid multi-hour queues, and the underground Hypogeum tour revealing the network of tunnels where gladiators and animals waited before being raised by elevators into the arena is particularly gripping.
Reviews
Visited this place? Share your experience and help other travelers.