Palatine Hill Tickets and Tours

Palatine Hill: The birthplace of Rome, layered with myths and emperors

Rome was founded on seven hills, but Palatine is where the legend truly begins. This is said to be the spot where the she-wolf Lupa raised Romulus and Remus—the mythical founders of the city. Centuries later, it became prime real estate for Roman emperors. Today, the ruins of their ancient palaces still crown the hill and are visible from across the city.

Rising 40 meters above the Roman Forum and looking out over the Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill continues to shape Rome’s skyline. Often overshadowed by its flashier neighbor, the Colosseum, this hill is essential for anyone seeking the full story of ancient Rome.

How to access Palatine Hill?
You can access Palatine Hill through the Roman Forum entrance on Via della Salara Vecchia or via the Colosseum side entrance—both lead you up to the hilltop ruins and the museum. Entry is included with most Palatine Hill tickets, which often come bundled with access to the Roman Forum.

Things to know before you book Palatine Hill tickets

• Palatine Hill is not ticketed separately. Access to Palatine Hill is bundled with entry to the Roman Forum, which is directly connected to the hill. You’ll get to walk through imperial ruins, explore palace foundations, and access panoramic viewpoints. What varies is how you experience it — self-paced, guided, or with special access.
• Want access to restricted areas on the hill? For ruins like the House of Livia or Domus Tiberiana, go for the Colosseum Archaeological Park SUPER Sites Pass. This pass gives you entry to the Palatine Museum and exclusive sites that are otherwise not open to the general public. Also a great pick if you're skipping the Colosseum, since this pass doesn't include access to the amphitheater.
• If you want a detailed, narrated walk-through of Palatine Hill and Forum alongside the Colosseum, book a guided tour. You can upgrade to a small-group tour of 15 people for an intimate visit or between arena-floor tours and underground tours for exclusive access to restricted areas.
• Want to skip crowds entirely? Opt for the VIP private tour with a personal archaeologist guide. Book these special tours at least 1-2 weeks in advance to get your preferred slot.
• Ticket validity and timing matters. The SUPER Sites Pass is valid for one calendar day, so plan your visit accordingly. If you’ve booked 3-in-1 access that includes the Colosseum, and you're visiting the Colosseum first, you can explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill anytime within the next 24 hours of the ticket validation. Guided tours have fixed start times—arrive 15–20 minutes early to avoid missing your group.
• Palatine Hill involves uneven paths, staircases, and slopes—wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a bit of a hike. Most of the hill is not fully wheelchair accessible.

Visitor tips

• Palatine Hill is vast, and signage can be minimal. Download an offline map or use an app like Google Maps or ArcheoRoma to help identify ruins as you go.
  It’s easy to skip, but don’t—it’s small, uncrowded, and contains artifacts and models that give context to the ruins around you. Hit it early before the heat builds up.
• Don’t miss the Farnese Gardens (Orti Farnesiani). This Renaissance garden sits on top of ancient palaces and offers some of the best panoramic views over the Roman Forum. It's also a great rest stop with benches and shade.
• Look for Augustus’ frescoes. Inside the House of Augustus, some original frescoes and wall paintings still survive—rare glimpses of imperial decor. They’re delicate, so opening hours are limited. Ask a guide or guard for timing.
• Explore the Domus Transitoria if open, this lesser-known site offers multimedia projections that reconstruct what Nero’s palace once looked like. Access is limited, so check ahead or opt for a pass like the SUPER site pass that includes it.
• Shade is sparse on the hill, especially in summer. A compact umbrella or wide-brimmed hat will save you from the Roman sun during long walks.
• Take the “secret” path down to the Roman Forum. From the Domus Severiana area, you can descend toward the Forum using a beautiful staircase that offers dramatic views and avoids crowds exiting the main gate.
• Catch golden hour here - late afternoon light hits the ruins beautifully—especially the Palace of Domitian and the Temple of Apollo. It's a dream for photographers or anyone wanting a more atmospheric experience.
• Bring binoculars or zoom lens. Many ruins, like the House of Livia or Temple of Cybele, aren’t fully accessible but can be admired from a distance. A zoom lets you catch details you’d otherwise miss.
• Watch for active digs - Palatine Hill is still an active archaeological site. If you're lucky, you might spot researchers or ongoing excavations—a reminder that history here is still being uncovered.

Brief history of Palatine Hill: A timeline

📍 753 BC – Legendary birthplace of Rome
According to myth, Romulus founded Rome on Palatine Hill after slaying his twin brother Remus. This legendary origin cements the hill’s symbolic place in Roman history.

📍 1st century BC – Rise of imperial residences
Emperors like Augustus and Tiberius build opulent palaces atop the hill, transforming it into the most prestigious address in ancient Rome. Temples, fountains, and gardens showcase imperial power.

📍 1st – 5th century AD – Political and spiritual center
Palatine Hill continues to thrive as a seat of power, hosting important religious temples such as those of Apollo and Cybele. Emperors including Domitian further expand its grandeur.

📍 5th – 15th century – Fall and fading glory
As the Western Roman Empire collapses, the hill’s palaces fall into decay. Stones are repurposed, and scattered medieval settlements replace imperial splendor.

📍 15th – 18th century – Rediscovery begins
The Renaissance sparks renewed interest in classical antiquity. Artists, scholars, and early archaeologists explore the ruins, laying the groundwork for future excavations.

📍 19th century – Systematic archaeological digs
Excavations become more organized. Structures like the Palace of Domitian and the Houses of Livia and Augustus are unearthed, revealing stunning mosaics and frescoes.

📍 20th century – Restoration and access
Conservation efforts aim to protect the hill’s fragile remains. As Rome develops its tourism infrastructure, Palatine Hill is opened to visitors, often combined with the Colosseum and Forum.

📍 21st century – Living archaeology
Excavations continue to reveal new chambers, art, and structures. Modern signage, guided tours, and museum displays enrich the visitor experience, making Palatine Hill a must-see for history lovers.