Palatine Hill

Things to Do in Palatine Hill, Rome

Flavian Palace

The Flavian Palace, also known as the Domus Flavia or Domus Augustana, is a majestic building that was built during the time of Emperor Domitian around 92 AD. It was improved later on by Septimius Severus. If you ever visit the Palatine ruins, you'll get a breathtaking view of the palace where the upper class settled before. For the full effect and to see how huge the palace was, don't forget to check it out from the Circus Maximus. It's quite a sight to see.

Palatine Museum

The Palatine Museum, also called Museo Palatino, might be small, but it's full of Roman statues and artifacts from the hippodrome, giving you a peek into history. The cool stuff in this museum goes way back to the early days of Rome. Inside this small museum, you'll find things that were found during excavations on the archeological site of Palatine Hill. There are cool sculptures, paintings, mosaics, and more from the times of Palatine Hill.

House of Augustus and House of Livia

The House of Augustus and the House of Livia give you a close look at how Roman emperors lived. You need special tickets to visit these places, but it's worth it! These ancient homes, located on Palatine Hill, show you how Rome's first emperor and his wife lived in luxury. With these tickets, you can see the awesome paintings and designs that decorate these imperial buildings---each one tells a cool story and shows off art and history. It's an amazing experience that makes the personal lives of Augustus and Livia come alive for you!

The Palace of Domitian

Visit the Palace of Domitian, the largest complex on Palatine Hill and the first to house all state political functions. It has three main parts: the public area known as the Domus Flavia, the private area called the Domus Augustana, and the stadium of Domitian featuring a stage, curved seating, corridors, and open spaces decorated with frescoes, gardens, sculptures, and marble statues.

Many of the sculptures you see in the nearby Palatine Museum originated from this beautiful location, making it a remarkable look into the ancient Roman world.

Farnese Gardens

Explore the beauty of nature in Farnese Gardens, one of Europe's earliest botanical gardens! You can explore a collection of plants, flowers, and trees in this historic and peaceful setting. This experience provides a fascinating insight into Renaissance-style gardening and design.

Popular Attractions near Palatine Hill

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and the Roman Empire, providing an extraordinary window into history and showcasing the impressive engineering and entertainment of ancient Rome. Visiting the Colosseum is a fantastic opportunity that usually includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as part of the ticket, which you can buy in the Colosseum ticket office.

Roman Forum

Exploring the Roman Forum, located next to Palatine Hill, is like visiting the core of ancient Rome. You can wander among the remains of temples, basilicas, exhibits, and important structures that were central to Roman public life, providing a direct connection to the magnificence of the Roman Empire.

Arch of Constantine

A quick 2-minute walk from Palatine Hill leads you to the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch in Rome built in 315 CE. It was constructed to honor Emperor Constantine's triumph over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. You can check out detailed carvings, objects, and statues showing Emperor Constantine's victory, giving you a clear look into Roman art and history.

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, located within Vatican City, is world-renowned for its breathtaking ceiling painted by Michelangelo, featuring the iconic Creation of Adam. As you step inside, you'll be immersed in centuries of artistic and religious history, with the chapel also serving as the site of papal conclaves. Visitors can admire the intricate frescoes, marvel at Renaissance masterpieces, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred space. Just a 15–20 minute taxi ride or about 30–40 minutes on foot from Palatine Hill in Rome, it’s a must-see destination easily added to your itinerary.

Pompeii Ruins

The Pompeii Ruins show what life was like in an ancient Roman city before it was completely buried by a volcano in 79 AD. You can walk through old streets, see homes, public baths, temples, and even human remains that were frozen in time. There are also detailed mosaics and wall paintings that tell stories from long ago. It’s a great place to learn how Pompeii began and what everyday life was like back then. Pompeii is about 2.5 hours from Palatine Hill in Rome by car, or around 2 hours by train.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a famous tilted bell tower in Italy. You can climb to the top for great city views and explore nearby sights like the cathedral. It’s about 3.5 hours from Palatine Hill in Rome, perfect for a day trip.

Catacombe di San Callisto

The Catacombe di San Callisto is one of the oldest and most important underground cemeteries in Rome. Located about 20 minutes from Palatine Hill, it's a great spot to explore after visiting ancient ruins. These catacombs were used by early Christians and even house the tombs of several popes. Walking through the quiet tunnels feels like stepping back in time.